GIFT   OF 
C.    H.    Hovey 


m 


• 


THE 


GRAPE  GROWER'S  GUIDE, 


INTENDED  ESPECIALLY   FOR  THB 


Jnwriran  CUmatf. 


BEING  A  PRACTICAL  TREATISE  ON  THE   CULTIVATION  0F  THE  GRAPE-TIN* 

IN  EACH  DEPARTMENT  OF  HOT  HOUSE,  COLD  GRAPERY,  RETARDING 

HOUSE,  AND  OUT  DOOR  CULTURE.       WITH  PLANS  FOR  THE 

CONSTRUCTION  OF  THE  REQUISITE  BUILDINGS, 

AND   GIVING   THE   BEST  METHODS   OP 

HEATING  THE  SAME. 


(Bberg  IpjepHttmntt  boeforg.  fnllg  Jlkwtrattb. 


BY   WILLIAM   iCHORLTOJST. 

bv 

AUTHOR  OF  "THB  COUTTSiaPERY,"  JtTC. 


NEW  YOKK: 

C.  M.  SAXTON  &  CO.,  AGRICULTURAL  BOOK  PUBLISHERS, 
140  FCLTOX  STREET. 

1856. 


C5 


Entered,  recording  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  bj 

C.  M.  SAXTON,  «fe  CO., 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern 
District  of  New  York. 


EDWARD  O.  JENKINS, 

STEHBOTYPEB  AND  PRINTER, 

2-6  Frankfort  St. ,  N.  Y. 


CONTENTS 


CHAFTEK  I. 

INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

PAdK 

Hardiness  of  natives  and  exotics           .            .  .            .11 

Effects  of  mildew  and  excessive  changes    .  .            .            .11 

Cost  of  houses    .            .            .        ,.'••:•       r*  •             •          12 

Skill  easily  acquired            .            .            .  .            .            .12 

Botanists'  distinctions   .            .            .            .  .            .13 

Circumstances  favorable  to  development  .  .             .            .14 

Evils  of  dogma  and  prejudice   .....          15 

Acclimatizing          .            .            .            .  .            .16 

Gratification  and  advantage  of  the  Grapery    .  .            .          16 

CHAPTER  II. 

HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES. 

Double  pitch,  curve,  and  straight  line      .  .            .            .18 

Single  pitch        .            .            .            .            .  .            .           18 

Ridge  and  furrow    .            .             .            .  .            .            .18 

Cold  Grapery : 

Most  suitable  houses  for                     .            .  .            .          18 

Position  for  double  pitch             .            .  .            .            .19 

single  pitch        .             .            .  .            .19 

Inclination  of  roof           .            .            .  .            .            .20 

Explanation  of  Frontispiece              .            .  ,  '»'  ^    '•  »Ur      21 

Ground  Plan  to  Frontispiece     .            .  .             .            .22 

Calculations  of  proGts           .....  24 

House  not  to  be  used  for  other  purposes  .            .            .26 

Foundations,  ventilators,  &c.            ....  27 

Internal  fixings,  &c.                     .            .  .            .            .27 

EvilofcoM  water     .            .            .            .  .            .28 

Situation             .            .             .            .  .            .            .29 

Early  Grapery  : 

Suitable  designs  for  and  remarks  on            .  .            .29 

Aspect    .           .           .        NiS         .  .           .           .30 


G655T8 


IV  CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Difficulties  with  outside  temperature  ...  30 

Description  and  plan  of  house    .  .            .            .  .31 

Plan  of  ventilator      .  ...  32 

Advantage  of  inside  planting     .  .            .            .  .33 

Plan  of  house  heated  by  flue  ....  34 

Grapery  for  pot  culture  : 

Plan  of  house  for             .            .  .            .            .  .35 

Other  houses  suitable           .  ...  36 

Eetarding  House  : 

Objects  of             .            •            .  .            .            .  .36 

Position  and  aspect    .            .  .            .            .            .  37 

Plan  of  double  detatched  house  .            .            .  .38 

Mr.  Webster's  method  of  ventilation  .  39 

CHAPTER  HI. 

ARTIFICIAL  HEAT  AND   APPABATUS. 

Eeasons  why  it  is  required  .  .  .  .  .40 

Steam  not  suitable,  and  why    .....          41 

Hot  water  the  best'  .  .  .  .  .  .41 

Difference  of  material  for  pipes,  &c.     ....          42 

Plan  of  boiler          .  .  .  .  .  .  .43 

Brick  flues,  general  remarks  on  .  .  .44 

Drying  and  parching  effects  of  flues  .  .  .  .45 

Size  and  capacity  of  flue  and  furnace  ....          46 

Polmaise  heating,  remarks  on  .  .  .    ...    47 

Plan  of  flue  and  polmaise  combined    ....          48 

CHAPTER  IV. 

BORDERS,  OR  PREPARED  BEDS. 

Importance  of  right  preparation    .          3« ;••?-:,••.•-'.  •            •    49 

Bad  effects  of  unsuitable  materials       .            .     *  :lfr\:     49 

Nitrogenized  manure  not  permanent         .          ,>  .            .     50 

Good  properties  of  bones  and  lime       .        "••,-«  .           .52 

Evil  of  over-deep  borders           ;   ."       ^£    ,        .  >'..^>t';        •     52 

The  strongest  growth  not  the  best        .            .        .  *•-,  ?•       .          52 

Advantages  of  well -drained  borders          .            .  -,  f  - ,.        .    53 

How  to  make  the  borders         .            .            .  .         ,&»?".-      53 

Good  drainage  retains  the  moisture           .            .  .            .54 

Advantages  of  making  only  a  part  at  first      *  ..  .       ,"-  .,^,»       65 

Too  much  stimulating  matter  not  good    .            .  .            .56 


CONTENTS.  V 

PAQB 

Width  of  borders            .                         ....  56 

How  to  retain  natural  longevity     .            .            .            .  .57 

Useless  expenditure      .            .            ....  58 

CHAPTER  V. 

PLANTING  AND  MANAGEMENT  THE  FIRST  YEAR. 

Choosing  of  vines  for  planting       .            .            .            .  59 

When  to  plant    .......  59 

How  to  plant            .                        •            .            .            .  .60 

Careful  watering  required         .  .  .  .  .61 

Planting  vines  previously  started  into  growth      .            .  .61 

Management  through  the  summer    ....  62 

Attention  to  the  roots       .  ....       62 

Necessity  of  a  warm  temperature  63 

Attention  to  the  tops          .            .            .            .            .  .64 

Increase  of  air  as  ripening  progresses   .            .  64 

How  to  prune,  &c.                .            .            .            .            .  .64 

Wash  to  kill  insects       .            .....  65 

Covering  for  winter             .            .            .                         .  .65 

Top-dressing  of  compost  .  .  .  .66 

CHAPTER  VI. 

MANAGEMENT  FOB  THE  SECOND  YEAR,    AND   PERMANENT  TREATMENT 
FOR  THE  COLD  GRAPERY. 

Retarding  of  the  buds        .            .            .            .            .  .67 

How  to  manage  the  advancing  growth            ...  67 

Reducing  of  bunches          .            .            .            .            .  .68 

Regulation  of  temperature        .            .       '  "v* '        .            .  68 

Fertilizing  the  flowers        .            .            .            1^     :.!f.''  .     69 

Application  of  water  after  blossoming             .            .             .  69, 

Further  reduction  of  fruit              .            .           .            .  .70 

Thinning  out  the  superfluous  berries    .            .  71 

Inside  watering  through  the  summer        .            .            .  .72 

Outside  watering  through  the  summer            .                        .  72 

Application  of  liquid  manure        .             .            .            .  .73 

A  drier  atmosphere  and  more  air  required  later  in  the  season  73 

House  to  be  closed  on  frosty  nights      .            .         5^*5  f:        .  74 

Fall  management               .           .            .            .            .  .74 

Weight  of  fruit  to  be  allowed             ...  75 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  EARLY   GRAPERY,    OR   FORCING    HOUSE. 

FAGK 

Practical  skill  required,  and  remarks        .            .  .             .77 

Yearly  forcing  not  injurious     .             .            .  79 

Covering  for  outside  borders          .            .            .  .             .80 

Injury  from  the  roots  being  in  a  cold  bed        ...  80 

Time  to  prune,  and  commencing  to  force             .  .            .83 

Evils  of  cold  drafts  of  air          .            .            .             .  .84 

General  treatment              .            .            .            .  .            .85 

Watering  outside  borders,  and  free  ventilation            .  .          86 

Second  early  crop                .            .             .             .  .            .87 

Journal  of  temperature  and  remarks  ...          88 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

POT      CULTURE. 

Advantages,  care  required,  &c.            .            .            .  .          91 

Comparative  difference  in  crop     .            .            .  .            .92 

How  to  economise  space           ....  93 

Suitable  vines,  compost,  and  potting        .            .  .             .93 

General  treatment         .            .            .            .            .  .95 

Management  for  second  fruiting    .            .            .  .             .96 

Application  of  liquid  manure               ...  97 

CHAPTER  IX. 

RETARDING    HOUSE. 

Objects  of  the  Retarding  House       .            .       — -,  .            .    98 

General  remarks,  and  treatment          .             .  '      ^.^  98 ' 

Caution  required  in  pruning     .,.  ^»  .     .  j.-           .  .  101 

How  long  in  the  year  grapes  may  be  had       ..„-           .  .        102 

CHAPTER  X. 

LIST    OP  VARIETIES. 

Remarks  on  the  confusion  of  kinds          <;V;°'        .  .             .  104 

Exotics,  descriptive  list       -    i:r;       '«&  "•     —  .*••••'        .  105 

Cold  Grapery,  the  best  kinds  for    .            .            .  .            .112 

Forcing  House              .            .            .            .            .  .    '    112 

Retarding  House              .  .113 


CONTENTS.  yii 

PAGE 

Pot  culture        .  .  .  .    .        .  .  .        113 

Remarks  on  Muscats          .  .  ....  .  .  114 

Native  Grapes,  varieties  of  .  .  .  .        115 

CHAPTER  XI. 

PRUNING  AND    TRAINING. 

General  remarks     .             .            .            .            .            .  .116 

Double  spur  method      .  .  .  .  .  .117 

Single  close  spur  method              .            .            .             .  .119 

Long  rod                      "•....  120 

Renewal                      "                    .            .            .            .  .  121 

Extension                    "               .....  122 

To  produce  temporary  full  crop     .            .            .            .  .124 

Longevity  of  the  grape  vine     .....  125 

Weight  of  fruit  that  a  vine  will  produce               .            .  .125 

Advantages  of  extension           .            .            .            .            .  126 

Summer  pruning    .  .....  126 

Evils  of  shortening  in  too  close            .          .  .            .            .  128 

Curtailing  the  plant's  energy  shortens  life            .             .  .129 

CHAPTER  XII. 

PROPAGATION  AND   THE   RAISING   OP  NEW  KINDS. 

Propagation  by  eyes      .  .  .  .  .  .131 

—  cuttings     .  .  .  .  .  .132 

coiling  .  .'          .  .  .        133 

-  layers          .  ....  134 

layers  suspended     S '*;*''       .  .  .        134 

grafting   .  .  .        .-VWH^        -  .135 

inarching         ...  ^^        .         137 

seed  ....         "'...'•'        .  138 

The  raising  of  new  kinds  .  .  .  ,.        138 

Improvement  that  may  be  made    .  .  .  ...  139 

National  profits  ......        140 

Hybridizing,  or  cross-breeding       .....  141 

CHAPTER  XHI. 
» 

DISEASES. 

Mildew  : 

Different  kinds,  and  first  indication        ....  143 
Oidiwn,  its  appearance          .....        143 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Time  of  appearance        ......  144 

Sulphur  a  remedy       ....         ><';^    "';        145 

Botrytis  described  ....         •'•<!'-vr  ^45 

How  fungoids  vegetate         .....        146 

Kinds  not  injurious        ......  148 

Shrivel  and  shank  : 
General  remarks  .  .  .  .  .  .148 

Various  causes— how  produced         ....        149 

How  to  prevent    ..*....  150 

Dry  rot  in  the  roots : 
Indications          .......  151 

Other  kinds  of  rot,  and  how  to  prevent       .  .  .151 

Rot  in  the  fruit: 
The  cause,  and  how  to  remedy        .  153 

Spot: 

The  probable  cause  .....        154 

Remarks  on  watering  overhead  ....  154 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

INSECTS  AND  HOW   TO  DESTROY  THEM. 

Remarks  and  different  kinds  156 

Red  spider,  scaly  and  mealy  bugs  ....  157 

Green  and  black  fly,  thrips,  fretters,  rose  bug  .  .        158 

Beetles,  moths        ......  159 

CHAPTER  XV. 

THE   VINEYARD  AND  OUT-DOOR  CULTURE. 

General  remarks            .             .            .        '•  ''.:1\         .            .161 

Bad  effects  of  damp  air  and  un drained  land  .£'  "       C          -162 

Carbonate  of  lime,  its  good  effects       .  .        '[    .  ?     •'  "*V       163 

Choice  of  situation              .          '.           .'  .         "  ','          .  164 

Preparing  the  land                •  '• ' .            .  .            .            .165 

Action  of  cold  air              >  *      "•       ^^'        .  .            .  igg 

Formation  of  ten-aces          JX* ';    r    *   .'  •            •            •        167 

Trellises  and  supports        .            .*  .                        .  168 

Planting  and  choosing  plants               .  .            ..            .169 

After-treatment     .        >1;v           .            .  .          .  ,            .  170 

Training  over  arbors,  &c.        ."      '*>*•*'-  ^             '•+•     '^        ^ 


PREFACE. 


OWING  to  the  favorable  reception  of  my  monograph, 
the  Cold  Grapery,  by  those  who  are  interested  in  grape 
culture,  and  the  commendations  of  intelligent  practical 
cultivators  of  this  luscious  fruit,  I  have  determined  to 
comply  with  the  request  of  friends,  by  giving  a  more 
comprehensive  edition,  with  the  hope  that  my  humble 
efforts  may  be  of  service  to  the  public. 

What  is  recorded  is  simply  an  explanation  of  my  own 
experience  and  observation,  and  an  expression  of  my 
deliberately  formed  opinions.  The  method  here  given 
has  been  successful  hitherto,  and  is  founded  upon  the 
practice  of  the  last  quarter  century.  I  have  endeavored, 
as  much  as  possible,  to  give  a  common-sense  view  of  the 
whole  routine,  to  embody  every  idea  required  in  each 
department,  and  labored  to  make  the  detail  concise,  yet 
plain. 

Such  as  it  is,  I  submit  it  to  a  discerning  and  intelligent 
public,  and  shall  be  amply  repaid  for  my  trouble,  if  it 
shall  hereafter  be  the  means  of  extending  a  true  know- 
ledge, of  the  subject  on  which  it  treats. 

WILLIAM  CHORLTON. 

New  Brighton,  Stolen  Island. 


r 


C  H  APTEti J  I*.  -  '• « '  >-;  »Jj-  i '' 
INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

WE  find,  from  history,  that  the  grape-vine  has  been 
one  of  the  most  esteemed  and  essential  fruits  from  the  most 
remote  periods  of  antiquity.  Its  cultivation  has  followed 
the  migrations  of  civilized  man  into  all  climes  suitable  to 
its  prosperity,  and,  since  the  erection  of  glass  houses  has 
been  understood,  has  become  adopted  into  many  countries 
where  it  otherwise  could  not  succeed. 

In  the  United  States,  the  different  varieties  of  the  native, 
Vitis  Labrusca,  as  Isabella,  &c.,  and  those  of  the  native 
Vitis  vulpina,  as  Scuppernong,  &c.,  with  ordinary  treat- 
ment, flourish,  and  ripen  their  fruit  in  the  open  air ;  while 
those  of  the  exotic,  Vitis  vinifera,  as  Chasselas,  Ham- 
burgh, &c.,  have,  excepting  in  a  few  solitary  instances, 
proved  a  complete  failure,  from  their  tendency  to  become 
mildewed.  In  most  parts  of  the  Union,  there  is  sufficient 
light  and  heat  to  bring  the  different  varieties  of  the  latter 
species  to  maturity,  and  they  are  hardy  enough  to  resist 
the  cold,  but  unfortunately,  when  the  disease  (allow  the 
expression)  attacks  them,  the  free  action  of  growth  is 
checked,  the  energy  is  impaired,  and  instead  of  well- 
hardened  wood,  there  is  nothing  but  an  unopened,  sappy 
substance,  to  withstand  the  severe  winters.  The  fruit 
also  is  rendered  worthless  from  the  same  cause;  and 
although  many  attempts  have  been  tried,  with  the  most 
sanguine  expectations,  they  have  been  as  often  abandoned. 

This  evil  is  the  result  of  the  growth  of  fungoid  vegeta- 

(H) 


12  THE   GRAPE. 

tion,  the  development  of  which  is  accelerated  by  the  ex- 
cetssjve  changes  from  diy  to  moist,  from  heat  to  cold,  and  vice 
versa.  Fortmratfil./,  the  erection  of  glass  houses  is  now 
so  well  understood,  end  material  is  so  cheap,  that  we-  have 
:B  Ttefrtty  aritirlotej  fo>Vby  planting  inside  these  structures, 
we  are  enabled  to  equalize  the  temperature  and  overcome 
the  difficulty.  There  is  also  the  advantage,  if  we  take  the 
whole  range  of  the  subject,  of  being  able  to  cut  ripe  grapes 
nearly  the  whole  year  round ;  and  even  as  a  general  crop 
in  the  cold  grapery,  with  a  proper  selection  of  sorts,  a  sup- 
ply may  be  obtained  front  the  middle  of  July,  or  the  be- 
ginning of  August  (according  to  locality),  on  to  near  the 
end  of  December. 

Generally  it  has  been  thought  that  the  cultivation  of 
this  desirable  fruit  was  prohibited  to  all  but  the  most 
wealthy,  on  account  of  expense,  and  peculiarly  myste- 
terious  skill.  As  to  the  first  difficulty,  good  and  suitable 
houses  can  be  erected,  when  heating  apparatus  is  not 
attached,  at  from  $8  to  $14  per  running  foot,  on  the 
length  of  the  house,  with  all  conveniences  included,  and 
proper  fertilizing  materials  are  no  great  expense ;  so 
that  this  obstacle  can  be  removed  even  by  those  of  humble 
means.  In  making  the  above  assertion  as  to  cost,  it  is 
not  presumed  that  the  lesser  amount  will  complete  a 
stately  building,  but  a  snug  and  well  adapted  small  house, 
such  as  many  would  like,  can  be  finished  for  that  amount ; 
and  the  greater  sum  will  furnish  a  profit  to  the  builder,  on 
a  structure  sufficiently  elegant  and  commodious  to  gratify 
the  most  wealthy  or  fastidious.  With  regard  to  the 
skill,  if  the  directions  hereafter  laid  down  (with  a  little 
observation  added)  be  acted  upon,  a  sufficiency  of  prac- 
tical knowledge  will  soon  be  acquired ;  for  these  direc- 
tions are  the  result  of  the  author's  experience,  and 
are  only  what  have  been  and  are  still  being  actually 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS.          .  13 

accomplished  by  good  grape-growers.  Many  have  been 
prevented  from  commencing  by  seeing  the  many  fail- 
ures that  have  occurred,  the  small  number  of  successful 
cases,  and  the  hitherto  almost  general  "  say,"  that  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  in  all  cases  to  have  fire  heat.  But 
we  are  dawning  upon  a  new  era  in  these  respects,  and  the 
alacrity  and  determined  enthusiasm  with  which  many  have 
now  come  into,  and  others  who  are  beginning  to  enter  the 
field,  will  go  far  towards  dispelling  these  fears,  and  will 
eventually  drive  out  prejudice.  No  fruit-bearing  plant 
will  give  greater  satisfaction  than  the  grape-vine,  and 
nothing  horticultural  will  continue  to  prosper  without  it. 
All  that  is  wanted  are  a  few  right  ideas,  and  the  writer 
has  done  his  best  to  discharge  his  duty,  feeling  convinced 
that  ere  long  the  grape-house  will  be  considered  as  neces- 
sary an  adjunct  to  an  estate,  however  small,  as  at  present 
is  a  peach-orchard. 

Botanists  disagree  with  respect  to  the  classifying  of  the 
genus  vitis,  some  making  the  species  very  numerous,  and 
others  only  dividing  it  into  well-marked  specialities,  thereby 
simplifying  and  rendering  the  differences  more  distinct. 
There  are  some  men  so  fond  of  dividing  and  subdividing 
nature's  distinctions  according  to  their  own  fickle  whims 
and  fancies,  that,  were  we  always  to  follow  them,  it  would 
take  a  lifetime  to  BEGIN  to  understand  their  abstract  con- 
nections ;  and  as  these  individuals  have  in  many  cases 
become  authors,  and  consequently  are  referred  to  as  au- 
thority, there  is  some  apology  for  the  novice  wandering 
in  the  maze  of  misunderstanding  which  they  have  to  some 
extent  established.  Such  men  ought  to  take  a  course  of 
practical  lessons  in  hybridization,  and  see  the  results,  be 
fore  publishing  their  manuscripts,  when  they  would  dis 
cover  that  many  of  their  so-called  species  are  no  more 
distinct  than  some  of  the  varieties  which  may  be  artifi- 


14  THE   GRAPE. 

oially  produced.  However,  this  has  little  to  do  with  us  in 
the  present  subject,  further  than  the  understanding  of  the 
difference  between  our  natives  and  the  exotics,  and  here 
it  would  appear  that  the  constitutional  properties  alone 
are  sufficient  to  make  a  true  natural  division  ;  for,  unless 
we  are  greatly  mistaken,  there  has  not  been  one  variety 
of  foreign  origin,  or  yet  a  seedling,  direct  from  the  same 
source,  which  can  be  truly  verified  as  withstanding  the 
changes  of  our  climate,  with  the  same  pertinacity  as  the 
natives. 

The  exotic  grape-vine  is  a  native  of,  and  flourishes  the 
best  in  warm,  even,  and  comparatively  dry  climates;  its 
organization  is  such  as  to  require  a  long,  steady,  and  warm 
season  to  perfect  its  growth.  Under  favorable  circum- 
stances, it  pushes  forth  a  vigorous  development,  and  ab- 
sorbs alarge  quantity  of  nutriment  from  the  soil,  if  encour- 
aged to  the  full  extent  of  its  powers.  The  broad  and 
ample  foliage  perspires  and  respires  very  freely.  Hence 
it  follows,  that  the  atmosphere  in  which  it  is  growing 
should  be  most  particularly  adapted  to  the  various  stages 
of  growth.  Practical  experience  shows  this  to  be  deci- 
dedly the  case ;  for,  when  not  attended  to,  the  most  inju- 
rious consequences  follow. 

Heat  is  the  cause  by  which  the  sap  is  set  in  motion  in 
the  spring,  and  when  it  is  once  excited,  the  action  is  grad- 
ually increased  along  with  the  rising  temperature,  until 
eventually  the  whole  energies  of  the  plant  are  brought 
into  active  play.  Light  and  moisture,  combined  with 
heat,  are  essential  to  its  welfare ;  they  encourage  this 
action,  and  enable  the  plant  to  develop  and  mature  its 
growth  to  its  fullest  capacity.  This  being  the  case,  it  is 
easy  to  see  that  in  so  vigorous  a  grower  as  the  grape-vine 
a  great  amount  of  these  three  elements  is  required.  This 
I  would  most  particularly  impress  upon  all  grape-growers. 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS.  15 

Heat,  light,  and  moisture  are  the  main  requisites ;  yet 
these  elements  are  generally  too  sparingly  administered, 
although  the  grape-vine  requires  them  all  in  abundance 
while  growing  freely. 

It  would  be  well  if  all  cultivators  were  to  study  more 
closely  the  laws  by  which  the  vegetable  world  is  gov- 
erned ;  were  it  so  there  would  be  fewer  failures.  We  are 
attached  too  much  to  set  notions,  and  follow  the  blind 
practice  of  prejudice  oftener  than  we  ought ;  and  if  we 
add  to  this  the  great  number  of  pretenders  who  swarm 
over  the  country,  there  is  no  occasion  to  wonder  at  the 
many  failures.  Let  it  not  be  thought  that  I  wish  to  de- 
preciate the  character  of  the  skilful  horticulturist,  for  we 
have  many  men  who  are  an  honor  to  the  calling, — well 
qualified  to  give  advice,  and  under  whose  care  the  grape 
vine  is  as  well  managed  as  in  any  part  of  Europe;  but 
while  wishing  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  uphold  the  pro- 
fession, we  should  raise  our  voice  against  those  egotistical 
empirics  who  often  deceive  the  unwary,  waste  the  pro- 
perty of  those  who  employ  them,  and  bring  ruin  to  many 
a  horticultural  establishment.  In  no  department  is  this 
more  often  seen  than  in  the  grapery,  where  the  weak 
growth,  the  ill-fed  papery  leaves,  and  spare  fruit  tell  a 
woful  tale  of  mismanagement.  Yet  no  fruit-bearing  plant, 
yields  more  readily  to  the  wishes  of  the  cultivator,  or  will 
bear  more  illtreatment  than  the  grape,  and  if  other  fruits 
had  to  be  managed  as  artificially  as  this  requires  to  be 
under  glass,  there  would  be  in  them  more  failures,  than  it 
is  subject  to  under  inexperienced  hands. 

Although  there  is  much  skill  required  in  the  cultivation 
of  this  fruit  in  all  its  bearings,  there  are  none  of  those 
superannuated  nostrums,  or  mysterious  dogmas  required, 
that  these  quacks  prate  about,  and  the  necessary  know- 
ledge is  readily  acquired.  The  main  secrets  are,  to  under- 


16  THE  GRAPE. 

\_ 
stand  the  constitutional  habits,  and  adapt  our  treatment 

accordingly.  Now,  if  we  take  into  consideration,  as  stated 
above,  that  the  exotic  grape-vine  is  indigenous  to,  and 
flourishes  best  in  those  countries  which  have  long  and 
steady  summers,  and  that  those  same  localities  are  com- 
paratively dry  during  the  periods  of  rest,  it  seems  only 
reasonable  that  we  should  keep  up  a  warm  and  equable 
temperature  during  growth,  and  also  have  the  roots  in  a 
well-drained,  or  naturally  dry  substratum, — so  far  for  its 
natural  requirements.  All  that  we  have  so  far  done,  by 
attempting  to  acclimatize  the  grape,  has  not  yet  overcome 
these  physical  difficulties,  neither  will  any  future  attempts 
succeed,  unless  we  get  a  race  of  seedlings,  crossed  with  the 
native  varieties,  and  raised  in  our  own  climate.  By  en- 
couraging vigorous  development,  by  a  moist  atmosphere, 
added  to  this  required  steady  heat,  and  afterwards  concen- 
trating the  collected  juices  by  a  further  continuance  of 
the  latter  principle,  with  air  more  freely  admitted  until 
the  approach  of  maturity,  afterwards  reducing  the  tem- 
perature, and  moisture  as  ripening  progresses,  it  will  bend 
to  the  will  of  the  most  fastidious  enthusiast. 

By  the  aid  of  glass  houses,  either  with  or  without  arti- 
ficial heat,  all  this  can  be  accomplished,  and  as  they  can 
be  erected  of  any  size  to  suit  the  pecuniary  means,  or 
caprice  of  different  persons,  a  grapery  is  within  the  reach 
of  a  poor  man.  How  gratifying  would  it  be  to  the  me- 
chanic, and  small  tradesman,  to  have  attached  to  his 
homestead  a  small  house  of  grapes, — what  an  appendage 
to  his  little  domain,  and  with  what  exulting  feelings  would 
he  view  his  crop  as  "he  sat  under  his  own  vine,"  and 
watched  with  an "  enthusiastic  pleasure  the  several  stages 
of  bursting  buds,  flowers,  and  fruit,  knowing  that  he  could 
enjoy  his  own  luscious  grapes,  equal  in  quality  with  those 
of  the  most  wealthy  proprietor  in  the  land,  or  the  great- 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  17 

est  nabob  in  aristocratic  Europe.  This  pleasure  may  be  en- 
joyed by  most  persons.  Half  the  money  that  is  often 
spent  in  "  gingerbread"  decorations,  miscalled  ornaments 
around  a  dwelling-house,  would  erect  a  little  grapery, 
which  in  many  places  might  be  attached  to,  or  cover  one 
end  of  the  building,  having  a  door  leading  into  it  from  the 
house  :  and  let  not  the  wife  or  daughters  think  the  neces- 
sary attentions  required  during  the  absence  of  the  "  gude 
man,"  to  be  a  degrading  pursuit,  for  it  is  no  mean  occupa- 
tion. Woman  never  yet  lowered  herself  by  being  seen  in 
the  garden,  or  by  obtaining  a  knowledge  of  plants,  and 
rural  affairs,  and  it  is  surely  far  better  to  be  employed  in 
healthful  exercise,  such  as  is  here  furnished,  than  to  be 
lolling  from  morn  to  night,  inanimate,  as  it  were,  upon  the 
downy  sofa,  reading  exciting  and  voluptuous  novels,  and 
assisting  the  seeds  of  consumption  to  germinate.  Would 
that  we  could  induce  our  accomplished  matrons,  and  fair 
belles  to  take  a  more  active  part  in  the  operations  of  hor- 
ticulture. Why  should  these  departments  be  considered 
too  masculine  for  woman's  position  in  society  I 


CHAPTER   II. 
HOUSES   AND    CONVENIENCES. 

THERE  has  been  from  time  to  time,  much  controversy 
respecting  the  various  kinds  of  structures  which  are  most 
suitable,  for  cultivating  the  grape  vine.  Some  advocate 
the  curved  line,  double  pitch;  others  again,  the  straight 
line,  double  pitch.  Some,  from  a  preference  for  old  no- 
tions, think  none  so  suitable  as  the  common  lean-to,  while 
a  few  who  have  advanced  a  step  out  of  this  position, 
will  admit  instead  of  the  common  plane  lean-to,  a  roof 
with  a  curved  line.  Latterly  a  new  notion  has  sprung  up, 
and  we  find  the  ridge-and-furrow-formed  roof  is  gaining 
an  ascendancy. 

In  order  to  make  this  part  more  easily  understood,  it  is 
divided  into  the  Cold  Grapery,  or  growing  without  artifi- 
cial heat ;  Forcing  House,  Forcing  House  for  Pot  Culture, 
and  Retarding  House. 

COLD  GRAPERY. — The  form  of  the  house  for  this  pur- 
pose is  not  so  material,  as  the  having  it  so  constructed, 
that  it  may  be  shut  up  tight  in  cases  of  emergency.  With 
this  precaution,  good  glass,  and  good  management,  any 
style  will  answer  the  purpose;  consequently  the  build- 
ing may  be  erected  to  suit  almost  any  fanciful  design 
which  the  architect  may  choose,  providing  there  is  con- 
venience for  training  the  vines  properly,  and  at  a  suitable 
distance  from  the  glass;  and  if  thought  proper  the  whole 
surface  may  be  of  glass,  for  while  this  house  is  being 
worked,  there  is  not  much  cold  weather  to  contend  with, 

(IS) 


HOUSES   AND  CONVENIENCES.  19 

nothing  more  than  can  be  guarded  against  by  closing  up. 
If  there  is  any  preference  for  general  utility,  the  curve 
line  double  pitch  ought  to  be  chosen,  as  from  the  convex 
surface  which  is  exposed  to  the  sun's  rays,  at  whatever 
altitude  he  may  be,  the  intense  heat  is  somewhat  scat- 
tered, there  is  less  danger  of  the  leaves  being  scorched, 
and  the  light  is  also  more  equally  distributed ;  this  form 
is  also  generally  considered  the  most  agreeable  to  the  eye. 

Whatever  style  of  double  pitch  be  adopted,  the  ends 
ought  to  face  north  and  south,  or  as  near  these  points  as 
may  be  convenient, — although  a  few  degrees,  variation 
either  way  is  not  of  much  consequence.  By  placing  the 
house  in  this  position,  both  sides  receive  the  influence  of 
the  sun  equally ;  besides  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  when 
his  rays  are  most  intense,  they  are  partly  warded  off  by 
striking  obliquely  upon  the  sash-bars  above,  which  on  the 
whole  length  of  the  house,  acts  as  a  considerable  shade. 

In  some  cases,  it  may  be  desirable  to  cover  a  dead  wall 
or  side  of  a  building  ;  or  it  may  be  requisite  that  the  cold 
grapery  should  be  connected  with  a  line  of  early  forcing, 
or  plant  houses,  when  the  lean-to  roof  will  be  most  con- 
venient, but  there  is  no  other  advantage  in  adopting 
it,  for  with  a  double  pitch,  having  two  rows  of  pillars 
inside,  one  on  each  side  of  the  central  pathway,  both 
sides  may  be  planted,  thus  accommodating  a  double  quan- 
tity of  vines  ;  besides  there  is  no  back  wall  seen,  and  it 
shows  better  taste  in  the  proprietor.  Where  the  avoiding 
of  expense  is  an  object  it  is  also  the  cheapest,  considering 
the  number  of  plants  provided  for.  Where  the  lean-to  is 
adopted,  the  south-east,  or  south-west  aspect  is  best, 
though  full  south  is  not  objectionable,  and  grapes  may  be 
well  ripened  when  the  house  faces  due  east  or  west. 
Further  north  than  these  two  points  cannot  be  considered 
suitable.  In  case  it  may  be  wished  that  the  Cold  Grapery 


20  THE   GRAPE. 

should  correspond  with  some  peculiar  style  of  architecture 
in  the  dwelling-house,  or  other  contiguous  buildings  (and 
these  points  ought  often  to  be  considered),  the  ridge-and- 
furrow  roof  offers  the  greatest  facilities,  as  it  may  be 
adapted  to  almost  any  form,  without  destroying  its  effi- 
ciency, for  the  vines  can  be  trained  horizontally  under  the 
roof;  the  grapes  also  look  very  handsome  in  this  position 
as  they  hang  perpendicularly  down  from  the  whole  sur- 
face above.  The  canes  in  this  case  may  be  conducted 
along  the  under  surface  of  each  furrow,  and  the  side  spurs 
fixed  at  right  angles,  which  enables  the  operator  to  arrange 
the  bunches  with  the  nicest  regularity. 

With  respect  to  the  inclination  of  the  roof,  it  is  desira- 
ble that  it  be  not  less  than  45,°  for  the  following  reasons : 
our  almost  vertical  sun  at  midsummer,  when  there  is  the 
greatest  danger  of  scorching,  will,  at  mid-day,  strike  the 
glass  at  an  oblique  angle,  thus  lessening  its  intensity  and 
to  a  certain  extent  counteracting  the  evil.  The  glass 
being  more  upright,  the  wind  or  draft  admitted  through 
the  laps,  will  be  somewhat  intercepted,  and  confined  more 
immediately  to  the  inner  surface  of  the  roof,  which  will 
ensure  a  more  equable  temperature  around  the  leaves  and 
stems,  preventing  somewhat  the  tendency  to  mildew.  A 
steep  roof  also  gives  an  additional  length  of  rafter  on  a 
given  width  of  house,  which  is  an  advantage,  as  the  vines 
with  the  general  modes  of  training,  have  more  extent  to 
develop  their  energies,  and  produce  individually  greater 
crops. 

The  frontispiece  to  this  work  is  designed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  showing  a  comple  arrangement  of  the  grapery  to 
suit  all  purposes,  and  at  the  same  time  to  form  a  beautiful 
architectural  structure.  Allowing  the  Cold  Grapery  to  be 
fifty  feet  long  by  twenty  feet  wide,  and  the  others  col- 
lectively to  be  one  hundred  feet  long  by  twenty-five  feet 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES.  21 

wide,  the  whole  could  be  finished  and  every  convenience 
included  for  about  $2500.  The  main  front  is  shown  in 
the  ground  plan,  Fig  2,  to  face  full  south.  In  such  case  it 
will  be  understood  that  the  Retarding  House  would  have 
a  due  north  aspect,  which  is  somewhat  a  disadvantage,  as 
the  sun  would  have  little  effect  upon  it.  In  order  to 
remedy  this,  one-third  in  depth  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
central  longitudinal  division  wall  might  be  of  glass,  which 
would  allow  a  considerable  portion  of  light  to  pass  through 
from  the  southern  side,  and  thereby  obviate  the  evil.  Such 
a  contrivance  is  now  under  the  charge  of  the  writer  in  a 
house  for  flowering  plants,  and  answers  admirably.  There 
is,  however,  no  objection,  where  circumstances  will  permit 
of  choice  in  location,  to  the  placing  of  the  front  aspect  a 
few  degrees  east  of  south,  which  would  in  an  equal  ratio 
turn  the  northern  side  towards  the  west,  indeed  all  things 
considered  it  would  be  as  well  for  all  requirements.  If  a 
Retarding  House  be  not  wanted,  the  northern  side  might 
be  converted  into  a  neatly  finished  row  of  convenience 
rooms,  or  if  this  were  objected  to,  it  would  make  as  fine  a 
house  for  apricots,  camellias,  oranges,  or  such  like,  as 
could  be  desired.  It  is  intended  by  the  plan  to  fix  the 
heating  apparatus  in  a  cellar  beneath  the  northern  divi- 
sion, and  the  boilers  or  furnaces  near  each  other  and  adja- 
cent to  the  chimney,  each  flue  being  conducted  into  the 
main  outlet  as  shown  in  Fig.  10.  If  the  cellar  were  re- 
jected, the  north-east  portion  might  be  employed  for  the 
same  purpose;  but  in  the  former  case  all  nuisance  is 
prevented,  and  the  whole  building  would  be  composed  of 
a  surface  of  glass,  from  the  wall  plates  to  the  ridges. 

Fig.  3  shows  an  interior  view  of  a  Cold  Grapery,  now 
under  the  writer's  charge,  which  is  74  feet  long,  20  feet 
wide,  and  14  feet  high,  from  the  base  level;  there  is  a 
cistern  sunk  beneath  near  the  centre,  12  feet  deep  by  12 


GROUND  PLAN  TO   FRONTISPIECE. 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES. 


23 


feet  wide,  and  a  force  pump,  liose,  and  tank  for  tempered 
water.  The  house  rests  upon  strong  cedar  posts,  and  tho 
borders  are  20  feet  wide  each,  outside;  the  inside  like- 
wise is  prepared  in  the  same  manner,  which  gives  an  ex- 
tent of  60  feet  extreme  breadth.  For  proportions  and 

Fig.  3. 


Inside  View  of  the  Cold  Grapery  of  J.  C.  Green,  Esq  ,  Staten  Island. 


style,  this  house  is  considered,  by  most  persons  who  have 
seen  it,  to  be  satisfactory  in  every  respect.  The  vines 
were  planted  in  March,  1850,  and  there  has  been  the  fol- 
lowing number  of  bunches,  of  good  quality,  cut  in  the 
respective  years  mentioned  below  : 

1851,  ...    262  bunches 

1852,  .  618 

1853,  .    .    .    918 

1854,  .  .  1147 


Making  a  total  of      I      2945          " 


24  THE   GRAPE. 

There  is  nothing  extraordinary  in  the  above  produce,  more 
than  others  may  accomplish ;  it  is  only  an  average  of  what 
proper  management  and  attention  will  do,  and  is  more  par- 
ticularly introduced,  as  an  answer  to  the  oft  repeated 
question,  "will  it  pay?"  The  average  weight  of  these  re- 
spective crops,  if  taken  collectively,  would  be  one  pound 
per  bunch,  all  of  which  might  have  been  sold  at  whole- 
sale for  fifty  to  seventy-five  cents  per  Ib.  The  following 
calculation  of  expenses,  which  is  as  correctly  stated  as 
can  be,  will  show  the  balance  of  profits  : 

2945  Ibs  at  50  cts.         .         .         .         $1472  50 
J)educt  labor  1st  year.     .     .     $50  00 
"      2d       "      .     .     . 100  00 
'  "  "      3rd     "...     150  00 

"      4th     " ,     .     .     .  200  00 
"  "      5th      "  .      .     •     225  00 

Yearly  dressings,  $20.     .     .     .  100  00 
Repairs,  painting,  &c.,  .     .     .     200  00  1025  0.0 


$447  50 

By  the  above  example  it  will  be  seen,  that  there 
is  $447  above  the  lowest  wholesale  market  prices  and 
as  the  house,  borders,  &c.,  cost  about  $2000,  it  leaves 
a  surplus  profit  of  4|-  per  cent,  per  annum,  upon  invested 
capital,  which  in  the  present  position  looks  somewhat  low, 
but  it  must  be  considered,  that  in  this  case,  profit  was  not 
the  object,  everything  was  done,  regardless  of  expense, 
to  make  a  good  and  fine  looking  structure ;  the  best  French 
crystal  glass  was  used,  and  all  labor  paid  by  the  day, 
besides,  in  the  first  year  there  is  no  return  profit,  and  the 
last  season  is  the  only  one,  in  which  a  full  crop  has  been 
taken ;  take  into  consideration  too,  that  the  labor  account 
for  after  management  is  reckoned  at  $2  per  day,  and  it 
will  readily  be  seen,  that  a  good  and  suitable  house  may 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES.  25 

be  built  and  tended  so  as  to  give  a  large  return  of  profit. 
A  house  of  equal  dimensions,  and  well  finished  can  be 
erected  at  $12  per  lineal  foot,  with  the  exception  of  cis- 
tern, force  pump,  hose,,  and  tank  ;  and  if  we  make  an  es- 
timate of  all  incidental  expenses  on  a  house  equal  to  the 
above,  and  50  feet  long,  it  will  stand  thus : 

House  finished  with  two  coats  of  paint, 
50  feet  long  at  $12.00  ,  .  .  $600  00 
Brick  cistern,  cemented,  10  ft.  by  10  ft. .  70  00 
Tank,  Force  Pump,  and  Hose.  .  .  90  00 
25  tons  manure  for  borders  at  $2.  .  .  50  00 
Material  for  drainage.  .  .  .  20  00 
90  bushels  bones,  at  50  «ts.  .  .  45  00 

100  do.  charcoal,  &c.  ??vV  .  .  15  00 
Labor  making  borders,  &c.  .  .-  .  20  00 
48  vines,  at  50  cts,  .  .  .  24  00 


$934  00 

The  comparative  weight  of  fruit  that  may  be  taken  from 
the  latter  will  be  about  two-thirds,  or  1964  Ibs.  at  the  same 
prices,  making  the  total  value  for  the  five  years  of  $982, 
and  allowing  the  labor,  expenses,  &c.,  to  be  the  same  com- 
paratively in  both  cases,  we  may  put  down  $298  gain  upon 
a  capital  of  $934,  which  shows  a  profit  of  about  six  per 
cent,  per  annum,  and  this  too  at  the  commencement.  If 
we  were  to  reckon  upon  after  years,  when  the  vines, 
would  bear  regularly  full  crops ;  it  will  readily  be  seen  that 
the  profits  would  be  much  greater,  and  that  with  good 
management,  there  is  no  loss  in  having  a  Cold  Grapery 
even  though  partial  failures  may  occur. 

When  the  grape-vine  is  to  be  grown  to  the  greatest  per- 
fection, the  house  ought  not  to  be  applied  to  any  other 
purpose.     It  appears,  at  first  thought  very  reasonable  to 
suppose,  that  for  a  general  or  summer  crop  of  grapes,  the 
2 


26  THE  GRAPE. 

house  may  serve  as  a  winter  conservatory  for  flowering 
plants,  but  experience  shows,  that  however  late  the  vines 
may  be  kept  back  in  the  Spring,  the  buds  will  burst  before 
the  weather  is  suitably  mild  to  turn  the  plants  out,  and 
into  the  open  air  ;  and  at  this  time  the  vines  will  require 
a  temperature  peculiar  to  themselves,  which  would  gene- 
rally be  too  damp  and  close  for  the  plants,  many  of  which 
at  the  time,  will  be  in  a  blooming  state,  requiring  more  air 
and  a  cooler  atmosphere,  than  will  be  suitable  for  the 
vines ;  besides  it  is  almost  impossible  to  keep  down  insects 
in  a  house  where  plants  are  kept.  There  is  some  excuse 
in  an  early  forced  grapery,  which  is  so  congenial  to  the 
well  being  of  some  natives  of  the  tropics,  but  as  a  general 
greenhouse  requires  heating  and  the  cold  grapery  does  not, 
the  expense  of  two  houses  is  not  so  great,  compared  with 
the  advantage  to  be  gained ;  therefore  if  possible,  it  is 
much  better  to  have  two  houses  where  both  are  wanted. 
If  pecuniary  benefit  be  an  object  it  is  also  more  profitable, 
for  the  grape  if  well  dealt  by,  will  be  honest  in  return,  and 
pay  a  large  per-centage  upon  capital,  independently  of 
ordinary  expenses  of  labor,  &c.,  but  when  neglected  the 
reverse  is  the  case. 

In  order  to  give  free  range  to  the  roots  it  is  advisable 
to  erect  the  house  upon  stone  pillars,  or  locust,  or  cedar 
posts,  (each  of  which  ought  to  bo  directly  beneath  a  rafter,) 
which  will  allow  them  free  egress  to  the  outside  borders. 

There  are  several  ways  by  which  these  houses  may  be 
ventilated,  perhaps  the  most  convenient  is  to  admit  air  at 
the  top,  and  near  the  bottom,  or  under  the  wall  plate. 
The  lower  opening  ought  to  be  made  so  as  to  shut  very 
tight,  as  the  admission  of  cold  drafts  from  below  has  a 
tendency  to  reduce  the  heat  in  the  lower  base  of  the  house 
— the  very  part  which,  if  possible,  ought  to  be  the  warm- 
est. Nature  here  teaches  us  a  lesson,  and  it  would  be  well 


HOUSES  AND   CONVENIENCES.  27 

if  we  always  gave  ear  to  her  instructions — the  sun's  rays 
strike  the  earth,  and  produce  the  greatest  heat  at  the  sur- 
face. She  has  no  fixed  confining  canopy  over  the  plants 
under  her  charge  to  prevent  the  heat  from  passing  up- 
ward, and  if  we  are  obliged  to  have  such,  we  ought  not 
to  render  our  necessities  more  unnatural  than  there  is  occa- 
sion for.  Keep  the  head  cool  and  the  feet  warm,  is  ad- 
vice often  given  by  our  physicians,  and  the  same  rule 
applies  to  plants  generally,  with  very  slight  modifications. 

If  the  roof  be  made  with  sashes  to  slide  over  each  other, 
which  is  the  method  best  adapted  for  removal  of  the 
house  at  any  future  time,  the  upper  ones  will  become  the  top 
ventilators ;  but  when  it  is  fixed,  and  composed  of  a  con- 
tinuous row  of  sash  bars  over  supporting  rafters  underneath, 
the  openings  require  to  be  lifted  up  from  the  bottom,  and 
hung  on  the  opposite  end  by  hinges,  or  suspended  by  the 
middle  on  each  side,  and  opened  on  a  pivot.  When  hung 
by  hinges  the  sides  may  rest  upon  the  rafters,  and  the 
lower  end  project  a  little  over  the  next  squares  of  glass, 
thereby  making  it  proof  against  drip,  and  this  is  perhaps 
the  best  plan,  for  beside  being  safer  against  rain,  air  can 
be  admitted  and  the  temperature  lowered,  without  cold 
draughts  striking  down  into  the  house.  If  hung  from  the 
sides  there  are  no  effectual  means  of  capping,  and  however 
good  the  joints  may  be,  the  rain  will  find  its  way  through 
more  or  less  in  time  of  violent  storms. 

The  internal  fixings  required,  are  wires  to  support 
the  vines,  a  tank  to  hold  water  while  being  tempered  in 
the  house,  a  hose  with  a  pipe  attached  to  distribute 
the  water,  and  a  force-pump  to  supply  the  hose.  The 
wires  are  most  convenient  when  placed  parallel  with  the 
sash-bars,  and  about  fifteen  inches  below  the  glass,  which 
will  be  sufficient  to  clear  the  leaves  from  contact ;  if  less 
space  is  allowed,  the  foliage  of  vigorous  vines  will  touch 


28  THE   GRAPE. 

the  roof,  and  are  more  exposed  to  the  changes  of  tempera- 
ture, their  action  also  will  be  impeded  by  being  cramped, 
but  a  greater  distance  than  is  actually  required  is  objec- 
tionable, as  the  nearer  the  glass  the  better. 

For  a  large  house,  a  tank  that  will  hold  about  two  hun- 
dred gallons  will  be  requisite,  and  for  a  smaller  house, 
one  in  proportion.  This  tank  during  the  earlier  growing 
season  ought  to  be  kept  full  of  water,  so  that  when  used 
it  may  be  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  inside  of  the 
house.  Cold  water  applied  immediately  from  an  under- 
ground cistern,  or  well,  suddenly  checks  the  action  of  all 
plants,  and  ought  by  all  means  to  be  guarded  against. 
The  force-pump  may  be  attached  to  the  tank,  and  if  an 
air-tight  metal  globe  be  fixed  over  the  discharge  pipe,  on 
the  same  principle  as  a  fire  engine,  a  steady  stream  will 
be  propelled  through  the  hose.  By  having  two  faucets  on 
the  lower  pipes,  one  leading  to  the  tank,  and  the  other 
from  the  cistern  below,  there  is  no  need  for  two  pumps,  as 
they  may  be  shut,  and  opened,  so  as  to  answer  the  double 
purpose  of  drawing  water  from  the  cistern,  or  distributing 
it  from  the  tank  over  the  house.  For  a  small  grapery 
where  economy  is  an  object,  a  common  syringe  may  be 
used  instead  of  the  hose,  but  in  a  large  house  the  force- 
pump  is  more  economical,  and  has  the  advantage  of  ena- 
bling the  operator  to  drive  the  water  well  into  the  crevices 
of  the  wood-work,  which  greatly  assists  in  keeping  clear 
of  insects. 

If  there  is  not  a  good  supply  of  soft  water  close  at  hand, 
it  is  desirable  to  have  a  cistern  sunk  under  or  immediately 
near  the  house,  and  the  water  conveyed  into  it  from  the 
roof  by  gutters  and  pipe,  which  saves  much  labor,  beside 
the  benefit  of  always  having  rain  water,  which  is  the  best 
for  all  plants. 

The  situation  of  the  Cold  Grapery  is  a  matter  of  import- 


HOUSES  AND  CONVENIENCES.  29 

ance,  and  in  making  arrangements  ought  not  to  be  lost 
sight  of.  It  should  be  freely  exposed  to  light  and  air  on 
all  sides,  if  possible,  away  from  the  shade  of  trees  or  sur- 
rounding buildings,  and  if  sheltered  on  the  north,  east,  and 
west,  so  much  the  better ;  but  it  is  best  for  this  to  be  a 
sufficient  distance,  so  as  to  secure  a  free  action  of  the  air 
around.  Shelter  is  not  indispensably  necessary,  but  if 
practicable,  is  of  use,  as  it  assists  in  warding  off  the  cold 
winds,  which  often  prevail  until  late  in  spring,  and  after 
the  vines  have  begun  to  grow. 

THE  EARLY  GRAPERY. — When  the  grape  is  produced  as 
an  earlier  crop  than  the  cold  grapery  will  furnish,  we  have 
to  resort  to  artificial  heat,  and  with  our  ever  variable 
climate,  particularly  during  the  frigid  blasts  of  the  latter 
part  of  winter,  it  becomes  requisite,  that  we  should  have  a 
tight  and  well  protected  house  to  work  with  ;  so  that 
variety  of  design  has  in  this  case  to  succumb  to  circum- 
stances. When  a  warm  temperature  has  to  be  kept  up 
by  means  of  fuel,  economy  ought  to  be  a  prominent  fea- 
ture;  and  further,  it  is  indispensable  that  a  wholesome 
and  growing  atmosphere  be  maintained,  which  cannot  be 
the  case  unless  there  is  a  command  of  genial  moisture 
during  the  earlier  stages  of  growth  ;  both  these  require- 
ments are  best  secured  by  close  built  structures,  in  which 
there  is  as  little  cubic  bulk  of  air  to  be  heated  as  may  be 
consistent  with  sufficient  convenience.  It  will  be  readily 
understood  from  this  that,  the  different  forms  of  curvilinear 
and  plane  lean-to  roofs  are  the  best,  the  wall  plate  upon 
which  the  lower  ends  of  the  rafters  rest,  being  only  a  short 
distance  above  the  ground  level.  Where  there  is  nothing 
to  interfere  with  choice,  the  curve  line  is  preferable,  so  far 
as  beauty,  and  the  equalizing  of  the  sun's  rays  is  con- 
cerned, but  there  may  be  a  set-off  against  this  form,  from 
the  greater  surface  of  glass,  which  may  be  thought  to 


30  THE   GRAPE. 

conduct  the  applied  heat  away  with  a  more  than  equal 
ratio.  Balancing  all  points,  what  is  gained  by  one,  is  lost 
in  the  other,  and  both  are  equally  suitable. 

With  regard  to  aspect,  full  south  is  the  best,  where  con- 
venience will  allow.  South,  south-east,  is  sometimes  re- 
commended, but,  although  with  care,  it  answers  well 
enough,  there  are  the  following  objections.  It  often  hap- 
pens, that  the  most  severe  cold,  or  lowest  grade  of  the 
thermometer  outside,  is  immediately  before,  or  at  the  time 
of  sunrise,  on  the  clearest  mornings,  and  the  heating  ap- 
paratus must  not  be  allowed  to  cool  down  ;  now  as  the  sun 
rises  direct,  or  nearly  perpendicular  from  the  horizon,  the 
rays  strike  (with  this  aspect)  very  quickly  upon  the  plane 
of  the  roof,  which  in  conjunction  with  the  internal  action, 
suddenly  raises  the  temperature,  at  the  time  when  the  ex- 
treme cold,  and  often  severe  winds,  will  not  admit  of  air 
being  given,  consequently  there  is  danger  from  the  quick 
transition  unless  the  greatest  caution  be  exercised.  If  the 
house  face  full  south,  the  sun  at  this  time  will  strike  more 
obliquely  on  the  end,  which  will  to  some  extent  counter- 
act the  evil,  and  there  is  also  an  advantage  in  having 
greater  natural  warmth  later  on  in  the  evening. 

The  following  cross  section,  and  ground  plan,  figs.  4  and  5, 
and  description  of  an  Early  Grapery,  now  in  care  of  and 
erected  under  the  supervision  of  the  writer,  and  which  has 
answered  every  expectation,  may  be  of  service  here,  and 
will  illustrate  our  own  practical  ideas  on  the  subject.  The 
dotted  outline  shows  a  house,  which,  in  this  example  is 
devoted  to  the  growth  of  Camellias,  and,  being  fixed  in 
this  position  does  away  with  the  necessity  of  a  shed,  and 
assists  in  keeping  the  grapery  from  exposure.  The  same 
arrangement  will  apply  where  there  is  a  building  already 
erected,  and  which,  would  become  the  back  wall  of  the 
intended  house. 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES. 


31 


In  this  case  the  house  faces  south,  south-east  (owing  to 
convenience),  with  a  slope  on  the  roof  of  40°,  it  is  78  feet 
long,  by  13  feet  wide,  2  feet  high  in  front  from  the  ground 

Fig.  4. 


Fig.  5. 


level,  and  14  feet  at  the  back.  The  foundation  posts  are 
Red  Cedar,  placed  six  feet  apart,  and  sunk  four  feet  in 
the  ground,  with  the  upper  or  exposed  part,  dressed  off 
square,  and  cut  at  the  top  so  as  to  form  an  even  horizontal 
line ;  upon  these  the  wall-plate  is  fixed,  and  made  firm  by 
being  let  in  about  an  inch,  the  lower  end  of  the  rafters, 
which  are  six  feet  asunder,  and  the  sash  bars  are  socketed 


6Z  THE   GRAPE. 

into  the  wall-plate,  and  it  is  made  sufficiently  wide  to 
allow  of  five  inches  projection  on  the  outside,  this  part 
is  scooped  out  on  the  upper  side,  and  becomes  the  gutter, 
by  which  the  water  is  conveyed  to  the  cistern  pipe  ;  be- 
side this  there  are  cross  bars  every  four  feet  on  the  length 
of  the  rafters,  that  stay  and  make  the  sash  bars  firm ;  venti- 
lation is  obtained  by  slides  in  the  front  wood  work,  imme- 
diately beneath  the  wall  plate,  and  by  sashes  2  feet  six  in- 
ches long  and  the  same  width,  fitted  by  hinges  at  the 
ridge  pole,  these  are  lifted  by  a  three-eights  iron  rod, 
having  a  hook  at  the  upper  end  which  is  slipped  through 
a  hole  in  a  small  plate  affixed  to  the  middle  of  the  lower 
end  of  each  sash;  the  rod  is  steadied  by  being  passed 
through  two  apertures  at  the  end  of  a  shaft  three  inches 
long  that  is  welded,  each  into  a  small  plate,  and  this 
screwed  to  the  back  side  of  the  house;  one  about  nine 
feet,  and  the  other  five  feet  from  the  ground.  In  the  front 
of  the  lower  hole  is  a  screw  worm,  and 'a  thumb  screw  to 
fit,  which  on  being  turned  either  way  liberates  or  fastens 
the  bar,  and  the  sash  is  kept  firm  at  any  desired  height. 


Fig.  6. 


Fig.  6,  shows  the  sash  open       This  simple  contrivance, 
costs  very  little,  is  effective,  has  the   advantage  of  never 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES.  33 

getting  out  of  repair,  and  is  as  permanent  as  the  house  it- 
self. It  will  be  understood  that  this  style  of  "building  glass 
houses,  is  simply  a  frame  work  covered  with  glass,  with- 
out any  double  sash,  and  consequently  there  is  no  use  for 
any  additional  portion  of  the  rafter  above  the  sash  bars 
(as  is  the  case  where  the  sashes  are  made  to  slide),  which 
is  a  decided  improvement  in  appearance,  and  equally  suit- 
able. The  house  is  heated  by  one  of  Hitchins'  of  New 
York  middle  sized  boilers,  and  there  is  a  lineal  measure  of 
340  feet  of  four  inch  pipe  employed,  giving  a  double  row 
of  flow  and  return,  beside  the  necessary  appendages.  One 
row  is  fixed  close  along  the  front,  and  the  other  at  a  dis- 
tance of  seven  feet  nearer  to  the  back,  which  leaves  room 
for  a  pathway,  without  any  dip  in  the  pipe,  and  there  is 
the  additional  advantage  of  having  all  the  heat  arising 
from  the  front,  and  lower  part  of  the  house,  thereby  se- 
curing as  much  as  possible,  an  equal  temperature  over  all 
parts.  There  are  two  rows  of  vines  planted,  one  to  the 
back  wall,  and  the  other  about  a  foot  nearer  to  the  middle 
of  the  house  than  the  front  row  of  pipes,  which  makes  a 
distance  of  eighteen  inches  from  the  extreme  front ;  the 
lower  part  of  each  of  the  roof  vines  is  curved  towards 
the  bottom  of  the  rafters,  and  consequently  project  partly 
over,  but  are  some  distance  above  the  pipes,  and  to  prevent 
injury  from  the  heat  when  the  apparatus  is  at  work,  there 
is  affixed  behind  each,  a  short  board,  about  ten  inches 
wide,  which  protects  the  stem  most  effectually.  The  ob- 
ject of  this  arrangement  was  to  insure  warmth  in  front, 
and  more  particulary  the  lower  part,  and  at  the  same  time 
Avith  the  vines  planted  inside.  It  is  a  plan  which  we  have 
not  seen  elsewhere  adopted,  and  was  conceived  from  a  know- 
ledge of  its  being  somewhat  in  accordance  with  natural  re- 
quirements ;  so  far  it  has  fulfilled  all  that  was  predicted,  and 
what  answers  in  our  own  practice,  may  be  justifiably 
2* 


34.  THE   GRAPE. 

recorded,  even  though  it  should  conflict  with  the  notions 
of  others.  As  to  planting  an  exotic  grape  vine  outside  of 
the  house,  so  long  as  the  roots  have  free  egress,  or  expos- 
ing the  stem  to  the  vicissitudes  of  climate,  such  as  we 
have  in  this  country ;  we  never  yet  saw  the  argument, 
often  though  it  has  been  attempted,  and  as  often  eloquent- 
ly advocated,  that  could  bring  conviction,  as  to  its  being 
philosophical,  or  reasonable.  In  nature,  we  find  the  heat 
greatest  near  the  ground,  from  the  fact  of  the  atmosphere 
being  compressed,  and  the  reflection,  which  take  places  by 
the  sun's  rays  striking  the  surface  ;  and  although  we  know 
that  the  stems  of  some  plants  are  injured  by  his  direct  ac- 
tion upon  them  in  hot  weather,  they  are  seldom  affected 
by  the  same  temperature  if  kept  in  the  shade.  This  is  the 
only  explanation  that  will  allow  any  amount  of  advocacy 
in  the  present  instance,  and  it  stands  to  reason  that  it 
serves  little  purpose. 


Figs.  7  and  8  will  explain  how  a  suitable  structure  may 
be  adapted  by  a  brick  flue  and  furnace,  with  a  shed  at- 
tached, and  it  is  preferable  that  it  should  extend  the 
whole  length  on  account  of  the  shelter.  As  the  flue  will 
occupy  more  room  than  hot  water-pipes,  it  is  advisable  to 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES. 


35 


plant  the  vines  close  to  the  inside  front;  and  in  making 
calculations,  the  entrance  to  the  house  should  be  elevated 
FO  that  the  pathway  may  pass  over  the  top  of  the  flue, 


without  which  it  will  always  be  troublesome  when  walk- 
ing through  the  house.  This  only  requires  a  little  inge- 
nuity in  each  individual  case,  according  as  the  details  of 
Arrangement  may  suit  the  particular  circumstance. 

GRAPERY  FOR  POT  CULTURE. — If  a  house  were  to  be 
erected  purposely  for  pot-culture,  the  most  suitable  and 
economical  would  be  as  shown  in  fig.  9 ;  the  inside  floor- 
Fig.  9. 


ing  sunk  a  foot  being  below  the  ground  level,  and  the 
under  base  well  drained  around  the  outside  founda- 
tion, to  prevent  cold  moisture  from  penetrating  laterally, 


36  THE    GRAPH. 

and  if  the  heating  apparatus  be  fixed  around  tho 
inside,  near  to  the  walls,  there  will  be  an  equal  distribu- 
tion over  all  parts.  Such  a  house,  if  only  ten  feet  wide, 
would  accommodate  three  rows  of  vines,  and  leave  room, 
for  a  pathway  ;  one  row  being  placed  near  to  the  back 
with  the  path  next,  and  the  other  two  nearer  the  front. 
With  this  arrangement,  there  would  be  no  occasion  to 
elevate  the  roof  more  than  to  give  sufficient  headway,  as 
the  path  would  be  directly  under  the  ridge, — say  six  feet 
above  ground,  and  seven  feet  from  the  inside  level,  by 
which  the  exposure  to  cold,  and  severe  winds  is  consider- 
ably avoided,  and  a  steady  heat  maintained  with  much 
saving  of  fuel.  There  may  be  some  objection  to  the  short 
back  lights,  which  should  be  of  glass,  but  as  these  may  be 
readily  covered  by  shutters  at  night,  and  in  severe  dull 
weather  the  evil  is  less  than  the  common  form  of  lean- 
to,  which  has  to  be  elevated  according  to  the  width  of  the 
house,  and  inclination  of  the  roof.  It  is  only  for  pot  cul- 
ture that  this  will  become  serviceable  in  grape  growing, 
but  for  the  purpose  named,  it  is  most  suitable,  can  be 
erected  cheap,  and  is  a  compact  and  easily-managed  struc- 
ture. Where  the  house  is  already  built,  or  it  may  be  in- 
convenient to  adopt  the  above  plan,  on  account  of  other- 
wise general  arrangement,  an  ordinary  lean-to,  and  more 
particularly  the  curve  line  will  answer  the  purpose  to 
almost  equal  advantage,  and  the  design  is  only  given  as 
the  best  adapted,  where  the  intention  is  to  be  as  perfect 
as  possible. 

THE  RETARDING  HOUSE. — As  the  object  of  the  retard- 
ing house  is  to  have  grapes  beyond  the  time  when  the  Cold 
Grapery,  or  least  forwarded  house  will  furnish  them,  it 
ought  to  be  so  situated  as  to  assist  in  checking  the  early 
growth  of  the  vines,  it  is  also  desirable  that  it  should  be 
capable  of  being  rendered  thoroughly  dry  inside,  and  like- 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES.  37 

wise  erected  on  a  plan,  by  which  it  may  be  readily  and 
economically  heated,  or  rather  that  the  applied  heat  may 
not  be  wasted,  consequently,  a  lean-to  form  offers  the 
greatest  facilities  as  regards  the  latter,  and  a  west  front  the 
former  requirement.  There  are  several  reasons  why  this 
position  is  preferable.  The  coldest  winds,  more  particularly 
in  the  early  part  of  the  season,  being  from  the  west,  and 
Berth-west,  there  is  a  better  chance  of  keeping  back  vege- 
tation in  the  spring,  and  of  preventing  the  invigorating 
power  of  the  sun  at  that  time,  thereby  helping  the  vines 
to  rest  for  a  time,  and  retarding  the  buds.  It  is  also  ad- 
visable on  account  of  the  young  and  sappy  growth  being 
liable  to  mildew  during  the  damp  and  close  weather  of 
July  and  August,  at  which  times  this  pest  is  more  than 
usually  prolific,  and  generally  when  the  wind  is  south, 
or  south-east ;  so  that  if  the  house  be  turned,  as  it  were, 
away  from  these  points,  the  influence  is  somewhat  des- 
troyed. It  may  be  thought,  from  these  considerations, 
that  north-west  would  be  better  still, — so  it  would,  but 
for  the  deficiency  of  sun  light  that  in  such  case  would  be 
the  result,  for  under  any  and  all  circumstances,  the  grape- 
vine delights  in  a  free  exposure  to  the  action  of  powerful 
light,  and  without  a  due  proportion,  the  after  growth  will 
not  become  sufficiently  concentrated  to  store  up  the  re- 
quired elaborate  juices,  or  produce  healthy  and  active  roots. 
Improvement,  and  greater  perfection  in  all  buildings, 
is  now  advancing  with  rapid  strides,  and  these  lean-to 
glass  houses  are  beginning  to  be  looked  upon  as  obsolete, 
and  whenever,  or  wherever  such  shed-looking  structures, 
with  bare  back-walls  can  be,  they  ought  to  be  avoided* 
Under  some  circumstances  they  are  better  adapted  to  the 
situation  of  the  garden,  but  it  is  only  where  they  compose 
a  boundary  line  of  a  parallelogram,  and  when  the  back 
partis  not  seen;  in  such  positions  they  are  admissible' 


38 


THE   GRAPE. 


and,  also,  where  strong  heat  has  to  be  kept  up  all  the 
winter,  but  there  are  many  instances  where  such  might 
be  avoided  in  outside  appearance,  and  yet  the  inside  re- 
main the  same  in  character,  and  so  with  the  retarding 
house. 

Any  person  who  wishes  to  erect  a  house  for  this  pur- 
pose, is  sure  to  have  one  or  more  graperies,  and  most 
likely  one  for  the  general  summer  crop,  which  is  only 
partially  forwarded;  in  which  case,  a  double  span,  with 
the  ends  north  and  south,  and  divided  longitudinally 
through  the  centre,  would  answer  both  purposes ;  the 
west  side  being  used  for  the  late,  and  the  east  for  the 

Fig.  10. 


earlier  crop.  We  do  not  advise  the  east  front  as  the  best 
in  a  general  way,  but  when  it  gives  the  advantages  here 
mentioned,  there  is  no  reason  why  it  may  not  be  adopted, 
and  we  speak  from  experience  in  saying  that  good  grapes 
may  be  grown  as  a  second  early,  or  general  crop,  with  an 
eastern  slope  of  the  roof.  The  annexed  end  section,  fig.  10 
will  explain  better  than  words,  how  such  double  detached 


HOUSES   AND   CONVENIENCES.  39 

houses  may  be  constructed,  so  as  not  to  show  even  the 
convenience  for  the  heating  apparatus,  further  than  a  door 
to  shut  doAvn  over  the  under-ground  vault,  and  even  this, 
if  thought  objectionable,  may  be  made  to  form  a  part  of 
one  of  the  pathways  inside.  The  example  given  is  an 
arrangement  of,  and  now  under  the  charge  of,  the  writer, 
and  answers  admirably.  Hot  water  is  here  used  for  heat- 
ing, but  the  same  is  equally  applicable  to  the  furnace  and 
common  flue,  with  the  difference  of  placing  the  chimney 
at  the  opposite  end. 

Since  the  above  was  written  we  have  been  apprized  of 
a  method  of  ventilating  double  pitch  curvilinear  houses, 
which  has  been  invented  by  Mr.  William  Webster  of 
Rochester,  and  for  which  he  is  about  taking  out  a  patent. 
His  plan  consists  in  having  a  movable  chamber  along  the 
whole  length  upper  part  of  the  house,  and  which  he  can 
lift  or  lower  at  pleasure.  If  the  machinery  can  be  made 
to  work  well  and  kept  in  permanent  order,  he  has  con- 
ferred a  great  benefit  upon  the  public,  and  deserves  the 
thanks  and  support  which  all  such  useful  improvements 
ought  to  receive. 


CHAPTER  III. 
ARTIFICIAL   HEAT    AND    APPARATUS. 

IN  the  first  stages  of  civilization,  man  was  contented  to 
eat  the  fruits  of  the  earth  as  nature  produced  them  in 
each  division  of  climate,  or  separate  locality,  but  as  luxury 
crept  in,  he  began  to  wish  for  those  of  more  favored  climes 
than  the  one  in  which  he,  in  many  cases,  happened  to  be 
placed.  His  earlier  peregrinations  into  more  southern 
countries  enabled  him  to  see  the  splendor  of  tropical 
flowers,  and  taste  the  luscious  fruits  which  there  abound, 
and  to  enable  him  to  enjoy  these  desirable  additions  at  his 
own  home,  it  became  necessary  to  imitate  as  near  as 
could  be  done,  the  climate  from  whence  they  came ;  and 
here  is  the  first  inducement  to  use  artificial  heat,  which 
though  of  imperfect  character  so  far,  to  a  certain  extent, 
answered  the  purpose.  This  partial  success  set  ingenuity 
to  work,  houses  constructed  partly  of  glass  were  erected, 
and  so  the  thing  has  progressed  from  the  half-glass,  half- 
slate  building,  with  clumsy  stone  or  brick  flue,  to  the 
Crystal  Palace,  and  the  elegantly  modelled  and  scientific 
hot-water  apparatus,  until,  even  in  most  inhospitable 
regions,  the  fruits  and  flowers  of  the  torrid  zone  are  pro- 
duced in  equal,  and  sometimes  superior  quality,  to  that 
which  is  found  in  the  places  to  which  they  are  indigenous  ; 
besides  which,  skill  has  so  far  triumphed,  that  by  a  judi- 
cious application,  or  withholding  of  the  artificial  caloric,  a 
succession  of  crops  may  be  had  to  suit  the  desires  of  the 
most  fastidious  mind. 

(40) 


ARTIFICIAL   HEAT  AND   APPARATUS.  41 

To  say  the  best  we  can  of  artificial  heat,  it  is  only  a 
necessary  evil,  but  as  we  cannot  do  without  using  it,  we 
ought  to  put  in  practice  the  best  and  most  economical 
method  that  is  at  present  known.  The  only  advantages 
arising  from  this  necessity,  is  the  raising  of  the  tempera- 
ture of,  or  drying  the  atmosphere  in  any  given  house 
under  care,  so  as  to  suit  the  particular  purpose  intended, 
and  so  far,  by  adopting  the  latest  improvements  and  fore- 
casting as  to  what  is  required,  we  can  work  along  with 
comparative  surety.  There  is  no  use  of  entering  into  a 
theoretical  disquisition  of  the  relative  properties  of  caloric, 
nor  of  showing  up  the  science  of  chemistry  in  combustion, 
our  object  is  to  find  out  how  we  can  at  the  least  expense, 
and  with  the  more  certainty,  apply  this  subtle  principle. 
Suffice  it  then  to  say  that  there  are  about  fcmr  ways  in 
which  we  can  adapt  it  to  our  use,  viz. :  by  steam,  hot  water, 
brick  flue,  and  what  may  be  considered  a  modification  of 
the  latter,  the  technical  term  Polinaise 

Steam  is  of  no  practical  use,  unless  where  a  large  ex- 
tent of  houses,  all  in  the  immediate  vicinity  are  to  be 
heated,  neither  can  it  be  used  with  any  certainty,  unless 
the  water  is  kept  up  to  the  point  when  the  steam  is  given 
off  in  great  quantity,  so  as  to  force  it  through  the  pipes, 
and  the  heat  along  with  it ;  besides  there  is  the  great  dis- 
advantage of  a  want  of  bulk  of  heated  substance,  which  is 
sufficient  reason  why  this  mode  should  not  be  adopted,  for 
on  the  fire  going  down,  the  house  immediately  becomes 
cold,  and  consequently  without  the  most  careful  attention, 
there  is  danger  at  almost  any  moment  in  severe  weather, 
of  injury  to,  or  the  loss  of  a  crop. 

Hot  Water  has  of  late  years  become,  and  most  deser 
vedly  so,  the  popular  favorite  for  warming  plant  and  fruit 
houses.     This  method  possesses  the  advantage  of  raising 
the  temperature  without  parching  the  air,  or  giving  out 


42  THE   GRAPE. 

any  noxious  gases,  and  if  constructed  on  the  best  plan, 
may  be  placed  on  the  credit  side  of  expenses,  there  is  also 
a  steady  heat  in  the  working,  and  a  sufficiency  of  bulk  in 
the  quantity  of  water,  which,  when  once  put  in  motion, 
continues  to  flow  with  increased  or  lessened  velocity,  ac- 
cording as  the  fire  is  kept  up,  and  for  some  time  even 
after  no  further  heat  arises  from  the  furnace.  There  have 
been  different  methods  adopted,  as  reservoirs  for  circula- 
ting hot  water,  such  as  lining  the  inside  of  brick  flues  with 
cement ;  tanks  of  wood  ;  tin  or  sheet  iron  troughs,  with 
the  tops  left  loose,  to  be  covered  or  not,  as  circumstances 
may  dictate ;  circular  copper,  tin,  zinc,  and  cast  iron 
pipes.  The  cemented  flue  is  objectionable,  as  the  material 
is  so  non-conducting,  that  there  is  great  loss,  and  the 
cement  is  also  liable  to  crack,  which  causes  leakage.  The 
open  tank,  and  trough  is  well  enough  for  a  propagating 
house,  which  is  generally  small,  and  kept  very  damp,  but 
is  not  suitable  for  a  grapery,  in  which  is  required,  a  moist 
or  dry  atmosphere,  according  to  the  different  stages  of 
growth ;  this  plan  also  occupies  much  space,  and  looks  un- 
sightly. Tin  pipes  are  not  advisable  from  their  tendency 
to  corrode,  and  unendurable  qualities.  Zinc  softens  when 
hot,  and  is  next  to  useless,  copper  if  made  strong  enough 
to  resist  hard  knocks,  and  be  really  serviceable  is  very 
expensive,  so  we  are  driven  to  the  last  substitute,  cast 
iron,  which  answers  every  purpose,  is  lasting,  erected 
comparatively  cheap,  strong,  and  the  different  lengths  are 
readily  cemented,  the  joints  becoming  as  firm  and  tight  as 
any  other  part.  The  construction  of  boilers  for  this  pur- 
pose is  also  various,  and  there  is  a  great  difference  in  the 
consumption  of  fuel,  according  with  the  ratio  of  heat  dis- 
tributed to  the  water.  In  the  most  primitive  boilers,  the 
fire  only  played  on  the  under  surface,  and  the  consequence 
was,  a  great  waste  of  heat,  unless  the  residue  was  con- 


ARTIFICIAL   HEAT  AND   APPARATUS.  43 

conveyed  around  the  house  in  a  flue,  which  almost  nullified1 
the  improved  principle,  but  of  late  years  a  great  improve- 
ment has  been  accomplished,  so  much  so,  as  to  make  it  al- 
most perfect.  After  having  been  acquainted  with  nearly  all 
kinds,  I  have,  not  found  any  to  give  so  much  satisfaction 
as  the  one  constructed  by  A.  E.  Hitchins,  of  New  York, 
of  which  fig.  11,  is  a  longitudinal  section,  and  fig.  12  an 

Fig.  11.  Fig.  12. 


external  view.  This  boiler  is  a  double  casing,  between 
which,  and  the  internal  connections,  the  water  is  con- 
tained. It  occupies  very  little  room,  and  requires  no 
inasonwork,  excepting  a  few  courses  of  bricks  below,  to 
raise  it  up  sufficiently  to  give  an  ash-pit  underneath,  and 
a  chimney  or  pipe  to  convey  away  the  smoke.  This 
apparatus  when  completed,  with  pipe  four  inches  in  dia- 
meter, boiler  included,  will  cost  from  one  dollar  to  one 
dollar  twenty-five  cents  per  lineal  foot  on  the  measure  of 
the  pipe,  and  a  house  forty  feet  long  for  early  forcing 
would  need  about  two  hundred  feet,  so  that  reckoning  the 


44  THE   GRAPE. 

greater  price  mentioned,  the  expense  would  be  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars,  but  for  a  longer  house,  or  when  a 
larger  order  were  given,  the  comparative  cost  would  be  less. 

Brick  Flues. — Heating  by  brick  flues  is  often  practised, 
and  if  they  be  constructed  on  the  best  method,  with  good 
workmanship,  they  answer  very  well ;  the  expense  on 
first  erection  is  less  it  is  true,  but  they  often  want  repair, 
besides  which  they  are  unsightly  and  cumbersome,  and  as 
a  general  thing,  will  consume  more  fuel  than  a  hot-water 
boiler  on  the  above  plan.  If  the  situation,  or  circum- 
stances, make  it  more  convenient  to  burn  wood  instead  of 
coal  or  coke,  then  the  flue  is  to  be  preferred ;  in  such  case 
the  furnace  should  be  large,  and  the  draft  be  under  the 
control  of  the  operator,  by  having  a  door  in  front  of  the 
ash-pit,  and  a  damper  in  the  chimney,  which,  when  closed, 
more  or  less,  as  may  be  wished,  will  keep  the  fire  steady. 

There  are  some  cultivators  who  still  cling  to  the  flue  for 
grape-growing,  on  account  of  the  drying  effects  of  the  heat 
evolved,  which,  as  they  assert,  is  of  some  importance  in 
damp  weather,  when  the  grapes  are  coloring,  or  ripe,  and 
that  at  other  times  they  can  use  evaporating  pans.  True, 
it  is  dry  enough,  even  to  parching ;  and  were  this  the  only 
time  when  it  would  be  required,  the  flue  would  answer  the 
best  purpose.  But  this  point  is  a  matter  of  very  little 
consideration,  as  the  same  can  be  secured  by  pipes  heated 
with  hot  water.  Nothing  can  be  more  erroneous  than  to 
suppose  that  heat  given  out  on  the  latter  principle  con- 
tains moisture ;  were  it  so,  the  water  would  waste  consid- 
erably through  the  pores  of  the  metal,  which  is  not  the 
case,  for  all  or  nearly  the  whole  of  the  evaporation  which 
takes  place  is  at  the  filling  up  tank,  and  if  this  be  kept 
covered,  the  working  of  a  night  will  not  lessen  the  water 
more  than  a  few  pints.  Heat,  from  whatever  sources  ob- 
tained, will  absorb  moisture,  and  as  glass  houses  are  not 


ARTIFICIAL   HEAT   AND  APPARATUS  45 

hermetically  sealed  glass  bottles,  the  generated  heat  is 
constantly  passing  off  through  the  crevices,  more  particu- 
larly those  in  the  upper  part  of  the  roof,  and  the  moisture 
along  with  it,  The  main  difference,  then,  between  the 
two  is,  that  one  only  raises  the  temperature,  while  the 
other  does  the  same ;  and,  in  addition,  imparts  a  certain 
amount  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  and  other  injurious  gases 
that  escape  through  the  joints  and  the  bricks,  in  quantity 
according  to  the  good  or  bad  workmanship,  or  the  porosity 
of  the  material.  "  Smoke  has  thin  shoulders,"  is  an  old 
adage  among  gardeners,  and  we  often  find  it  verified  in 
the  use  of  flues.  Notwithstanding  these  disadvantages, 
good  grapes  may  be  forced  by  flue  heat,  and  in  some  cases 
this  is  the  only  means  at  command;  when  so,  it  is  advisa- 
ble to  make  the  best  arrangement  we  can.  If  a  steady 
and  continuous  heat  be  required,  there  ought  to  be  enough 
room  in  the  furnace  to  hold  a  large  bulk  of  fuel,  and  if  it 
is  situated  somewhat  below  the  level  of  the  flue,  the  heat 
will  flow  more  evenly,  and  disseminate  itself  more  equally, 
as  it  travels  along  with  the  draft,  by  which  a  greater  por- 
tion will  be  absorbed  by  the  bricks,  and  given  off  into  the 
house.  A  small  furnace,  with  a  quick  draft,  is  never  eco- 
nomical, as  a  considerable  portion  of  heat  passes  off  by  the 
chimney  and  is  lost.  A  narrow  and  small  flue  is  also  ob- 
jectionable, as  the  heat  acts  directly  upon  the  mason-work, 
and  the  bricks  become  so  hot  as  to  abstract  the  oxygen  of 
the  air,  rendering  it  so  devoid  of  moisture  as  not  to  be  fit 
for  the  leaves  to  respire  in.  To  a  certain  extent,  this  evil 
may  be  counteracted,  by  keeping  shallow  vessels  filled 
with  water  upon  the  flue,  and  damping  the  floor  of  the 
house ;  but  most  of  the  moisture  produced  in  this  way  is 
in  a  vaporous  state,  and  not  in  the  exact  solution  required 
by  the  absorbing  stomata  of  plants.  The  analogy  be- 


46  THE   GRAPE. 

tween  plants  and  animals  is  in  this  respect  the  same,  and 
every  body  who  is  possessed  of  ordinary  observation  must 
be  able  to  discern  how  different  is  the  air  that  is  raised  in 
temperature  by  a  red-hot  stove,  even  though  a  vessel  of 
water  be  kept  upon  it,  to  what  it  is  when  raised  to  the 
same  temperature  by  the  sun's  power.  We  also  know, 
that  if  we  were  able  to  control  other  circumstances  accord- 
ing to  our  wants  for  the  time  being,  success  would  more 
often  attend  our  operations,  providing  we  could  exactly 
imitate  the  warmth  of  nature.  If  this  be  true,  it  must 
then  be  certainly  to  our  own  interest  to  approach  as  near 
as  we  can  to  this  desideratum.  To  come  to  our  point,  a 
capacious  flue  gives  a  greater  surface  exposed  to  the  ac- 
tion of  the  heat,  without  becoming  hot  enough  to  bring 
about  so  much  chemical  action  as  to  burn  the  air  inside  of 
the  house,  while  a  small  one  is  sure  to  do  so,  at  any  rate, 
in  that  part  next  to  the  furnace.  To  be  effectual  in  this 
respect,  a  flue  ought  not  to  be  less  than  eighteen  inches 
high,  by  twelve  inches  wide  in  the  clear ;  and  if  raised  up 
by  placing  supports  underneath  at  intervals  on  the  length, 
with  fire-proof  tiles  to  form  the  bottom,  so  much  the  better, 
as  it  then  is  free  to  give  out  the  heat  on  all  sides.  The 
furnace  ought  to  be  not  less  than  eighteen  inches  wide,  and 
equal  height,  independent  of  the  arch  above,  and  two  feet 
long.  A  furnace  of  these  dimensions  is  qualified  to  work 
a  house  of  forty  to  fifty  feet  long,  by  twelve  or  fourteen 
feet  wide,  the  flue  being  conducted  along  the  front  and  two 
ends.  Double  the  length  will  need  two  fires,  and  so  on  in 
proportion.  When  two  furnaces  are  required,  there  may 
be  one  placed  at  each  end  of  the  house,  and  conveyed  to 
the  same  chimney,  midway  in  the  back  wall,  so  as  to  unite 
into  one  outlet ;  but  in  such  case  there  ought  to  be  an 
acute  level  upwards  at  the  place  of  union,  or  the  two 


ARTIFICIAL   HEAT   AND   APPARATUS. 


opposite  currents  are  subject  to  check  the  even  flow  of  the 
smoke,  and  drive  it  back. 

The  Polmaise  method  of  heating  is  a  plan  that  origin- 
ated with  a  Mr.  Murray,  of  Polmaise,  in  Scotland,  and,  like 
many  other  ingenious  contrivances,  was  the  result  of  pecu- 
liar necessity.  At  the  time  of  its  introduction,  it  caused  a 
great  furor  amongst  the  seekers  after  novelties,  and  like 
the  fugacious  follies  of  such  persons,  it  soon  fell  into  dis- 
repute with  all,  excepting  those  who  were  determined  not 
to  acknowledge  their  error.  To  say  the  best  we  can  in 
its  favor,  it  is  only  a  modified  flue.  The  principle,  if  so  it 
may  be  called,  consists  in  having  a  hot  air  chamber  over 
and  outside  the  furnace,  and  conducting  the  heat  therein 
generated  through  one  or  more  apertures  into  the  house  at 
one  end,  and  at  the  other  having  a  hole  level  with  the 
floor,  which  forms  the  top  of  a  drain  that  is  conducted 
along  under  ground  to  the  furnace,  and  which  supplies  the 
fire  with  fresh  air  to  support  combustion.  By  these  means 
the  heat  from  the  chamber  is  drawn  through  the  house, 
and  a  partial  <•  current  produced,  and  from  this  it  was  at 
first  predicted  that  a  great  benefit  would  arise,  on  account 
of  the  near  imitation  to  nature's  invigorating  breezes.  If 
glass  was  not  a  rapid  conductor  of  heat,  this  plausible 

theory  might  have 
been  a  practical 
good ;  but  as  it  is, 
and  as  heat  will 
ascend,  in  opposi- 
tion to  such  a  weak 
power  to  repress 
it,  a  great  portion 
flows  along  at  the 
top  and  back  pail 
of  the  house,  leav. 


Fig.  13. 


THE   GRAPE. 


Fig.  14. 


ing  the  lower  part,  or  front,  cold ;  which,  if  there  be  a  dif- 
ference, ought  to  be  the  warmest.  The  only  way  in  which 
this  plan  can  be  tolerated,  or  be  of 
advantage,  is,  to  combine  the  cham- 
ber and  flue,  and  make  use  of  both. 
This  is  economizing,  as  the  whole 
of  the  heat  which  radiates  from  both 
sources  is  made  available.  Figs.  13 
and  14  show  a  longitudinal  and 
transverse  cross  section  of  both  com- 
bined. 

In  concluding,  we  may  say,  that 
after  many  years'  practice  with  most 

kinds  of  heating  apparatus  for  hot-houses,  we  are  thor- 
oughly convinced  that  none  is  so  efficient  or  economical 
as  hot  water,  and  have  never  found  any  on  that  principle 
to  supercede  the  boiler,  as  exhibited  in  Fig.  12. 


CHAPTER   IV. 
BORDERS    OR    PREPARED    BEDS. 

THE  formation  of  beds,  or  more  technically  borders,  in 
which  to  grow  the  grape  vine  is  of  great  importance,  per- 
haps more  so  than  any  other  portion  of  the  whole  routine 
of  culture,  for  without  a  proper  matrix  in  which  the  roote 
may  luxuriate,  it  is  impossible  to  succeed. 

The  more  important  any  branch  of  horticulture  is,  often 
the  greater  the  number  of  opinions  respecting  it.  This  is 
strictly  true,  in  the  present  instance.  Some  have  advo- 
cated the  admixture  of  great  quantities  of  raw  animal  car- 
casses, in  such  quantities,  and  large  masses,  that  one  would 
think,  if  their  reasoning  were  true,  that  a  recently  filled 
cholera  burial-ground,  would  be  the  best  place  on  which 
to  erect  a  grapery,  or  plant  a  vineyard.  Others  again 
have  recommended  large  doses  of  blood,  and  the  stink- 
ing offal  of  slaughter-houses,  in  so  fresh  a  state  that  the 
very  idea  is  enough  to  nauseate  the  strongest  stomach, 
and  forbid  the  cultivation  of  this  luscious  fruit.  Fortu- 
nately these  materials  are  not  required,  although  when 
thoroughly  decomposed  and  well  mixed  with  maiden  earth, 
there  is  no  objection  to  the  using  of  a  portion  incorporated 
through  the  mass.  It  often  happens  when  thus  applied, 
that  a  very  vigorous  growth  is  produced  for  a  time,  but 
sufficient  strength  can  be  had  without  these  stinking  nui- 
sances. If  used  at  all,  it  should  be  in  the  form  of  top- 
dressings  in  after  years,  and  forked  in,  by  which  the  fer- 
tility will  be  assisted,  without  making  the  whole  bed  into 
3  (49) 


50  THE   GRAPE. 

an  unctuous  paste,  more  fit  to  puddle  a  duck  pond  with, 
than  for  the  tender  and  fleshy  roots  of  the  grape  vine  to 
luxuriate  in.  If  proof  of  this  were  wanted,  there  are 
plenty  of  examples  if  they  were  to  be  examined,  where 
the  roots  that  have  come  into  contact  with  these  masses 
of  soap-like  substances,  before  they  were  thoroughly  de- 
composed, have  been  found  quite  rotten,  and  if  the  vines 
have  continued  to  do  well,  it  is  not  from  the  nutriment 
derived  from  them,  but  from  their  ready  adaptability  to 
form  fresh  spongeoles  from  the  back  roots,  which  may 
have  travelled  in  other  directions,  and  with  good  treat- 
ment added. 

The  advocates  of  this  putrid  animal  matter,  contend  for 
the  greater  invigorating  powers  and  more  lasting  proper- 
ties, than  is  to  be  found  in  barnyard  manure,  or  decayed 
vegetable  substances.  To  the  first  we  will  agree,  pro- 
viding the  stimulating  portions  be  administered  in  a  proper 
manner,  and  here  ends  this  part  of  the  difference ;  but  how 
it  is  to  be  more  lasting,  is  another  part  of  the  subject.  It  is 
a  well-known  fact,  that  highly  nitrogenized  manures,  during 
decomposition,  give  off  very  freely  the  volatile  ammonia  con- 
tained in  them,  and  as  this  is  a  great  stimulant  to  vegeta- 
tion during  active  development,  it  is  easily  seen  how  such 
wonderful  effect  is  produced ;  as  this  exciting  principle, 
from  its  evanescent  properties,  percolates  into  every  aper- 
ture in  its  escape,  and  no  doubt  a  portion  is  taken  up  in  a 
gaseous  state  by  the  young  and  readily  absorbing  spon- 
geoles. But  does  it  follow,  that  this  is  any  proof  of  per- 
manent action.  Judging  from  the  premises  it  would  appear 
the  very  reverse,  and  the  frequent  use  of  other  manures 
of  a  similar  character — guano,  for  instance — have  clearly 
demonstrated,  that  oft-repeated  applications  with  occa- 
sional additions  of  carbonaceous  organic  bulk,  and  other 
inorganic  assistance,  have  to  be  applied  to  maintain  fer- 


BORDERS  OR  PREPARED  BEDS.         51 

tility,  where  the  same  spot  is  constantly  cropped.  In  the 
present  subject  we  are  precisely  in  this  position,  and  there 
ought  to  be  great  regard  for  the  future  constitutional 
power,  if  a  healthy  after-life  be  cared  for,  which  is  not  to 
be  acquired  by  the  excessive  quantity  of  these  helps, 
that  only  act  upon  the  vegetable,  in  the  same  manner 
as  do  alcoholic  drinks  upon  the  human  system.  All  our 
best  physicians  acknowledge  the  good  effects  of  stimu- 
lants in  particular  kinds  of  disease,  when  administered 
with  skill,  and  everybody  knows  how  soon  the  strongest 
constitution  is  broken  down  by  the  great  quantities  that 
too  many  indulge  in.  So  it  is  with  the  grape  vine ;  we 
all  commence  with  endeavoring  to  gain  strong,  and  more 
than  natural  growth,  but  there  certainly  is  no  reason  why 
we  should  keep  our  plants  in  a  continual  state  of  intoxica- 
tion, from  the  moment  of  their  first  awaking  in  the  spring, 
till  they  finally  rest  on  the  approach  of  winter,  and  still 
leaving  the  same  baneful  influence,  to  diffuse  itself  over 
the  whole  outer  surface  of  the  roots  (which  are  equivalent 
to  the  mouths  of  animals),  until  the  next  season's  warmth 
again  arouses  their  action.  We  would  not  by  any  means 
have  it  understood,  that  we  are  opposed  to  the  judicious 
use  of  ammonia,  or  any  of  the  other  compounds  that  are 
to  be  found  in  more  abundance  in  the  animal,  than  in  the 
vegetable  bod'y ;  but  do  protest  against  the  inordinate 
mixture  of  such,  often  to  the  exclusion  of  other,  and  more 
necessary  bases,  and  which  leaves  the  plant  after  a  few 
years  of  undue  excitement,  a  prey  to  disease  and  prema- 
ture decay.  If  success  has  seemed  to  attend  the  progress 
in  some  instances,  the  failures  have  been  much  greater, 
and  unprejudiced  experience  shows,  that  more  injury  than 
benefit  has  arisen  from  the  admixture  of  animal  matter, 
even  in  small  quantities,  and  in  anything  like  a  fresh  state. 
These  remarks  are  only  intended  to  apply  to  the  fleshy 


52  THE   GKAPE. 

and  quickly  putrefying  portions  of  the  animal  body,  with- 
out any  reference  to  the  bones.  Here  we  will  subscribe 
to  the  recommendation,  because  it  is  consistent  with  na- 
tu^e,  and  furnishes  along  with  other  useful  properties,  the 
often  most  wanting  requirement,  lime ;  in  this  all  grape 
growers  are  agreed,  and  the  invariable  prosperity  of  our 
pet,  in  places  where  limestone  abounds  among  the  soil, 
produces  the  most  conclusive  evidence.  There  is  little 
doubt  but  the  want  of  this  substance  is  the  reason  why 
some  of  our  vignerons  have  occasion  to  complain  of  rot 
and  want  of  success  in  various  ways ;  and  here  we  may 
ask,  whoever  saw  a  grape  vine  that  did  not  do  well,  and 
produce  fruit  of  good  quality,  providing  the  climate  was 
suitable,  and  the  roots  could  creep  along  under  the  soil, 
and  lie  upon  the  surface  or  in  the  fissures  of  a  limestone 
rock. 

There  are  other  persons  who  make  the  beds  from  three 
to  four  feet  deep  of  suitable  materials,  but  use  such  quan- 
tities of  the  richer  quality,  with  insufficient  drainage,  that 
the  whole  bulk,  after  a  time,  becomes  sodden,  and  imper- 
vious to  either  sun  or  air,  in  which  no  root  can  exist,  much 
less  extend  itself.  These  are  some  of  the  many  causes 
why  our  graperies  so  soon  become  weak  and  unproduc- 
tive; yet  the  natural  constitutional  powers  of  the  grape 
vine  are  very  strong,  and  of  great  longevity ;  it  is  a  gross 
feeder  and  can  absorb  a  large  amount  of  food,  but  when 
thus  maltreated,  although  it  may  bear  such  usage  for  a 
time  with  much  pertinacity,  it  will  in  the  long  run  (like  an 
overgorged  glutton)  become  deranged,  its  physical  func- 
tions will  be  weakened,  and  it  either  dies  of  plethora,  or 
wears  on  an  exhausted  existence,  producing  little  or  noth- 
ing but  watery  leaves,  and  weakly  branches. 

If  such  very  .strong  growth  were  really  requisite  to  pro- 
duce the  finest  bunches,  or  berries,  and  could  be  obtained 


BORDERS  OR  PREPARED  BEDS.         03 

by  these  means,  there  would  be  some  excuse  for  thus 
abusing  nature  ;  but  such  is  not  the  fact,  for  the  most 
superior  and  best  flavored  fruit,  is  had  from  solid,  well 
ripened,  and  vigorous,  but  not  over-fed  wood.  When  the 
bearing  shoots  are  unduly  strong,  there  are  frequently 
two  or  more  developed  from  a  bud,  while  with  moderate 
growth  only  one  is  formed,  and  as  each  of  these  buds 
having  received  its  share  of  nutriment,  wherewith  to  start 
future  development,  thus  takes  from  the  others  a  portion, 
the  consequence  must  be  (as  only  one  can  remain)  a  weaker 
action  at  first,  and  correspondingly  less  power  afterwards, 
than  would  be  the  case  if  there  was  only  one  centre. 
The  bunches  ernenating  from  such  a  bud,  will  also  contain 
generally  a  greater  number  of  florets,  and  shoulders,  equal 
to  the  concentrated  accumulation  in  the  embryo  shoot ; 
for  it  is  formed  previous  to  bursting,  and  before  the  leaf 
of  the  previous  season  falls,  in  the  axil  of  which  it  is  fixed. 

In  all  cases  of  permanent  success,  the  grape  vine  luxu- 
riates upon  a  naturally,  or  artificially  well-drained  bottom. 
It  is  best  suited  in  warm,  and  comparatively  dry  climates, 
and  the  constitution  which  nature  has  fixed,  man  cannot 
alter.  We  must  then  adapt  as  near  as  we  can,  its  position 
in  cultivation  to  its  wants,  and  if  we  produce  artificially  a 
greater  than  ordinary  amount  of  growth,  we  ought  to  have 
a  corresponding  medium  whereby  to  mature  that  growth. 
Well-drained  borders  is  one  of  the  means  by  which  this 
can  be  accomplished,  as  the  superabundant  moisture  is 
taken  away,  and  the  air  and  the  sun's  heat  can  more 
readily  penetrate  the  soil.  If  the  following  directions  are 
followed,  there  will  be  no  reason  to  complain  of  want  of 
success  on  this  point. 

Take  out  to  the  depth  of  two  feet,  the  whole  of  the  up- 
per surface,  then  dig  a  trench  two  feet  wide  and  one  foot 
deep,  with  one  or  more  outlets  for  the  water  to  escape,  all 


54  THE   GRAPE. 

around  the  margin  of  the  excavated  space,  which  will 
form  a  drain,  three  feet  deep  from  the  top,  and  one  foot 
below  the  lower  base  of  the  borders ;  fill  this  trench  with 
rough  stones,  or  brick-bats,  the  rougher  the  better  ;  after- 
wards fill  in  over  the  whole  surface,  about  six  inches  of 
oyster,  or  other  marine  shells  if  to  be  had  readily,  but  if 
not,  broken  stones,  or  pieces  of  brick  and  lime  rubbish 
will  answer,  and  if  a  quantity  of  broken  bones  are  to  be 
got,  strew  them  over  themtop  of  the  other  drainage  ;  cover 
this  with  turf-sods,  or  any  rough  litter,  to  prevent  the  soil 
from  falling  through  and  among  the  drainage,  and  throw 
in  the  prepared  compost  to  one  foot  above  the  top  level ; 
this  will  give  a  depth  of  three  feet,  which  will  settle  down 
about  six  inches,  leaving  the  permanent  depth  two  feet 
six  inches,  viz. :  two  feet  below  and  six  inches  above  the 
ground  level. 

In  some  situations  the  original  base  will  be  a  dead  level, 
when  the  excavated  surface  ought  to  slope  from  the  house 
towards  the  outside  of  the  borders,  which  will  cause  the 
water  to  run  the  more  readily  towards  the  lower  drains. 
Care  should  be  taken  in  this  respect,  whatever  the  level 
may  be,  that  the  bottom  is  so  arranged  as  to  allow  the 
water  to  escape  freely  ;  the  means  of  securing  which  will 
occur  to  any  ordinary  mind,  according  to  the  level  he  may 
have  to  deal  with. 

It  may  be  thought,  that  with  this  amount  of  drainage, 
and  raised,  and  not  over  deep  borders,  the  soil  will  be- 
come too  dry  throughout  the  summer  to  maintain  vigorous 
growth,  but  experience  testifies  to  the  contrary,  for  al- 
though the  under  parts  will  not  be  over  wet,  the  moisture 
is  equally  divided  through  the  whole,  and  if  the  upper 
surface  be  mulched,  examination  will  prove  that  every 
portion  is  equally  damp,  and  the  innumerable  small  root- 
lets are  ramifying  in  every  direction,  each  taking  its 


BORDERS  OR  PREPARED  BEDS.         55 

allotted  portion  of  work,  to  supply  the  structure  of  the 
plant  with  wholesome  food.  Effectual  drainage  has  not 
until  lately  received  that  share  of  attention  among  culti- 
vators generally  which  its  benefits  ought  to  command,  and 
even  at  the  present  day,  there  is  a  great  want  of  proper 
understanding  respecting  it.  To  a  person  who  is  contented 
to  go  along  scratching  over  the  ground,  sowing  seed,  and 
leaving  the  rest  to  Nature,  it  is  a  difficult  problem  to 
solve,  how  the  conducting  away  water  in  land  that  is 
already  too  dry  and  hard  in  summer  can  be  of  any  ser- 
vice. Thanks  to  science  and  agricultural  chemistry,  this 
is  noAv  made  so  clear,  by  having  been  so  often  explained, 
with  examples  here  and  there  as  proofs,  that  the  mystery 
is,  how  men  can  still  remain  so  blind  to  their  own  interests, 
or  entertain  any  prejudice  against  what  has  been  so  prac- 
tically demonstrated. 

Although  it  is  recommended  above  to  make  the  whole 
of  the  borders  at  once,  which  is  only  one  trouble  and  ex- 
pense, and  will  answer  very  well ;  yet  it  is  much  better 
to  prepare  the  drainage  as  advised,  and  make  only  half, 
viz. :  that  part  next  to  the  house,  of  properly  prepared 
compost,  filling  in  the  other  with  the  intended  base  soil 
a  little  enriched,  and  after  the  first  season's  growth,  work 
up  in  the  following  fall,  into  the  half  of  the  unfinished 
portion,  the  same  quantity  of  fertilizing  materials  as  the 
former  half  was  mixed  with.  In  the  spring,  before  grow- 
ing commences,  this  may  be  again  forked  over,  which  will 
incorporate  all  more  evenly,  and  the  next  fall  the  remain- 
ing quarter  may  be  done  likewise.  By  this  method  the 
borders  are  kept  loose  for  a  longer  time,  the  air  is  more 
freely  admitted,  and  the  whole  is  better  adapted  for  the 
healthy  progress  of  the  roots,  which,  as  they  extend  from 
year  to  year,  will  penetrate  more  readily,  and  fill  every 
portion.  The  tendency  to  become  solid,  is  much  reduced 


56  THE   GRAPE. 

after  the  borders  become  filled  with  roots,  as  they  are  always 
more  or  less  drawing  nutriment  and  moisture,  thereby 
rendering  the  base  soil  more  porous,  when  the  gases  of  the 
atmosphere,  which  are  very  beneficial,  have  a  chance  of 
occupying  the  interstices,  and  forming  chemical  combi- 
nations with  the  material ;  thereby  producing  a  continual 
renewal  of  suitable  food  for  the  support  of  vegetable  life. 
We  have  ample  proofs  of  the  correctness  of  this,  and  where 
borders  are  constructed  as  above  advised,  there  will  be  an 
admission  of  air,  not  only  from  the  openings  to  the  drains 
and  from  them  under  the  whole  bed,  but  also  from  above. 

It  is  not  by  administering  such  enormous  doses  of  stimu- 
lating, or  fertilizing  material  all  at  once,  and  before  the 
roots  have  progressed  in  sufficient  numbers,  or  distance,  to 
appropriate  it  to  their  use,  that  we  are  to  calculate  upon 
the  most  permanent  results,  or  immediate  success.  So 
long  as  we  supply  from  time  to  time  what  is  required,  it  is 
enough,  and  if  we  have  got  well  drained  and  porous  bor- 
ders, we  can  the  more  readily  apply  top-dressings  and 
mulchings  in  after  years,  without  injury,  or  covering 
the  roots  too  deep  ;  for  if*,  in  efficiently  drained  ground,  a 
layer  of  dung  be  spread  over  the  surface,  it  will  be  found 
after  a  time,  that  there  is  little  but  dry  chaff  left,  all  the 
soluble  parts  having  been  washed  by  the  rains  down  into 
the  soil  below,  and  the  plants  will  have  received  the  bene- 
fit of  it. 

With  regard  to  the  width  of  these  borders  there  are 
many  opinions,  and  different  persons  have  been  led  by 
the  dictation  of  fancy  into  dogmatic  assertion,  without 
duly  considering  the  requirements  of  nature.  Now,  if  we 
take  this  for  our  guide,  and,  generally  speaking,  it  is  the 
best  reasoner,  we  must  provide  a  large  superficial  area ; 
for  the  roots  of  the  grape  vine  are  great  travellers,  and 
will,  if  allowed  their  own  way,  extend  over  much  space, 


BORDERS  OR  PREPARED  BEDS.         57 

consequently  free  egress  and  plenty  of  room  must  cer- 
tainly be  essential,  where  the  intention  is  to  retain  unin- 
terrupted fertility  for  a  long  time  ;  beside  which  we  ought 
to  consider  the  close  proximity  of  the  vines  as  they  are 
most  commonly  planted,  and  it  then  becomes  still  more 
evident  that  we  ought  not  to  be  penurious  in  this  respect. 
Our  own  recommendation  is  to  make  them  ten  feet  wide 
at  the  commencement,  add  five  feet  more  the  next  season, 
an'd  five  feet  again  the  year  following,  making  a  total  of 
twenty  feet,  which  will  give  ample  space  for  a  long  time  ; 
but  if  success  should  attend  the  same  stock  some  ten  or 
fifteen  years,  and  the  roots  at  the  end  of  that  time  are 
found  so  closely  interwoven,  as  to  be  in  want  of  more  ex- 
tension, it  would  be  advisable  to  add  another  five  feet,  so 
that  in  making  first  designs,  it  is  well  to  forecast  after  ne- 
cessaries. Many  will,  no  doubt,  think  that  this  is  a  waste 
of  land  that  might  be  turned  to  advantage  in  other  ways, 
and  others  may  not  have  so  much  ground  at  command  for 
the  purpose.  As  to  the  first  objection,  it  may  be  answered 
by  the  simple  question  of,  what  more  paying  crop  can  be 
put  on  the  added  fifteen  square  feet  that  will  be  required 
for  each  vine,  than  the  increase  of  two  or  three  pounds  of 
good  exotic  grapes,  beside  the  benefit  secured  by  retain- 
ing the  natural  longevity  of  the  plant,  where  considerable 
capital  has  been  invested  at  the  outset  in  erecting  a  suita- 
ble house.  In  the  latter  case  there  is  the  opportunity  of 
reducing  the  number  of  vines  inside,  and  extending  the 
branches  of  those  left  so  as  to  keep  the  whole  roof  covered, 
thereby  giving  more  root  room  individually.  The  very 
common  notion,  that  a  grape  vine  is  so  often  worn  out, 
deserves  to  be  classed  with  the  things  that  were, — depend 
upon  it,  if  all  its  wants  are  duly  supplied,  and  the  house 
substantially  erected,  a  grapery  may  be  left  as  a  legacy 
3* 


58  THE  GRAPE. 

to  our  offspring,  instead  of  being,  as  it  too  frequently  is, 
only  calculated  to  become  the  pleasure  of  a  few  years. 

The  most  suitable  materials  for  composing  the  borders 
are,  a  good  friable  loam  (the  top  sod,  grass  included,  of  a 
pasture),  with  a  suitable  quantity  of  partly  decomposed 
stable  manure,  in  proportions  of  one-fourth  of  the  latter 
to  three-fourths  of  the  former,  and  a  good  dressing  of 
broken  or  ground  up  bones,  say  one  bushel  to  every  cubic 
yard  in  bulk.  If  the  soil  contains  much  lime  in  its  own 
base,  the  bones  may  be  dispensed  with,  but  generally  they 
are  of  much  benefit,  being  a  very  lasting  manure,  giving 
out  slowly,  and  when  all  the  phosphates  are  exhausted, 
they  still  remain  as  a  carbonate  of  lime,  among  which 
the  grape  vine  delights. 

When  the  base  soil,  where  the  house  is  to  be  erected,  is 
of  the  above  nature,  it  may  be  used,  and  the  other  mate- 
rials added  on  the  spot,  which  will  save  expense.  There 
is  often  much  useless  expenditure  caused  in  this  way. 
Never  remove  away  the  existing  base  unless  absolutely 
bad,  excepting  with  little  outlay,  a  much  better  substitute 
can  be  procured ;  for  by  good  mixing  of  the  fertilizing 
matter  and  drainage  to  correspond,  a  poor  soil  may  in 
many  instances  be  made  good,  and  often  when  it  is  consi- 
dered impracticable,  most  likely  all  that  is  required.  Im- 
perfect drainage  is  frequently  the  cause  that  prevents 
success,  when  it  is  attributed  to  an  unsuitable  constituent 
base.  The  grape  vine  is  not  so  capricious  in  its  food  as  is 
generally  supposed,  but  a  dry  bottom  it  must  and  will  have 
to  prosper. 


CHAPTER    V. 

PLANTING   AND    MANAGEMENT   THE 
FIRST     YEAR. 

IN  choosing  vines  for  planting,  see  that  the  wood  is 
well  ripened  and  solid,  and  the  roots  clean  and  healthy. 
One  year  old,  propagated  from  the  eye  are  best  for  the 
grapery,  or  from  cuttings  for  the  vineyard,  but  those  of 
two  years  are  not  objectionable.  The  most  proper  time 
for  planting  is  about  the  beginning  of  March,  under  glass, 
or  so  soon  as  the  ground  is  in  good  working  order,  out  of 
doors,  when  the  vines  have  not  been  prematurely  started 
into  growth,  as  they  are  then  just  commencing  to  move 
from  a  long  repose,  and  have  no  great  time  to  remain  in 
their  new  quarters  before  fresh  rootlets  begin  to  push 
forth.  When  deferred  much  longer,  these  fibres  are  sub- 
ject to  injury,  being  very  brittle.  If  the  vines  have  been 
grown  in  pots,  which  is  generally  the  case,  with  the  ex- 
otics, the  soil  ought  to  be  entirely  shaken  from  them,  and 
the  entangled  roots  carefully  straightened  out,  care  being 
used  when  planted,  that  they  are  spread  in  all  directions 
diverging  from  the  stem.  After  loosening  up  well,  and 
smoothing  over  the  surface  around  on  the  base,  where  it  is 
intended  to  fix  them,  have  in  readiness  a  quantity  of  the 
same  material  as  the  border  is  composed  of,  broken  up 
fine  and  mixed  with  a  third  portion  of  leaf-mould,  if  to  be 
had — if  not,  it  is  not  of  much  consequence,  but  the  young 
rootlets  soon  lay  hold  of  it,  and  a  good  start  is  half  the 
battle.  Strew  two  inches  of  this  compost  over  the  sur- 

(59) 


60  THE    GRAPE. 

face,  place  the  plant  thus  spread  out  upon  it,  and  cover 
with  three  inches  of  the  same  mould.  It  will  be  under- 
stood that  this  mode  of  procedure  will  elevate  the  crowns 
of  the  roots  a  trifle  above  the  general  level,  which  will 
prove  advantageous  afterwards,  as  a  top-dressing  can  be 
added  without  their  being  buried  down  below  the  surface. 
Avoid  deep  planting  in  all  cases,  for  it  leads  to  cankered 
roots,  and  places  them  out  of  the  reach  of  the  warming 
influence  of  the  sun,  and  the  exhilirating  action  of  the 
air,  both  of  which  are  as  beneficial  to  them  as  are  light  and 
heat  to  the  leaves  and  branches.  It  is  not  to  be  expected 
that  this  particularity  can  be  applied  to  the  vineyard,  but 
so  far  as  can  be  done  economically,  the  same  rule  holds 
good.  Before  planting,  cut  off  the  top  of  the  plant  to 
about  six  or  nine  inches,  or  down  to  two  or  three  good 
buds.  The  advantage  of  leaving  more  than  one  being 
the  choice  it  gives  of  retaining  the  most  promising  when 
started,  when  all  the  worst  can  be  rubbed  off. 

It  is  sometimes  incoiiTenient  to  plant  at  the  time  above 
recommended  from  some  local  cause,  in  which  case,  the 
plants  may  be  removed  into  pots,  if  so  situated,  jof  a 
larger  size  than  those  that  they  were  previously  in,  put  to 
grow  in  some  other  house,  and  attended  to  as  regards 
heat  and  moisture,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  in  their  final 
resting  place ;  as  the  young  shoots  progress  in  growth, 
they  will  require  to  be  carefully  tied  to  a  stake  fixed  up- 
right in  each  pot,  and  as  the  roots  increase,  larger  sized 
pots  will  be  requisite  to  prevent  them  becoming  pot-bound, 
by  which  the  vigor  is  consideraby  checked.  By  attending 
to  these  points,  they  may  be  kept  on  till  June  or  July, 
after  which,  if  carefully  turned  out  of  the  pots,  without 
disturbing  the  roots  any  more  than  can  be  avoided,  a  good 
cane  may  be  obtained  the  same  season,  though  not  often 
strong  enough  to  bear  fruit  the  following  summer  j  but 


PLANTING   AND    MANAGEMENT.  61 

which,  if  planted  in  March,  can  generally  be  accomplished. 
After  planting,  give  a  good  soaking  of  water  to  settle  the 
soil  around  the  roots,  but  do  not  allow  it  to  become  satu- 
rated afterwards  by  too  oft  repeated  applications,  the  ob- 
ject being  to  keep  it  moderately  moist,  but  not  sodden,  as 
the  tender  roots  are  soon  rotted  when  not  drawing  freely. 

If  the  vines  have  been  prematurely  started  into  growth, 
which  is  not  desirable ;  or  it  is  thought  fit  to  plant  those 
that  have  been  raised  from  the  eye  the  same  spring,  the 
planting  ought  to  be  deferred  till  the  middle  of  April,  or 
beginning  of  May,  even  though  the  house  may  be  ready 
in  due  time ;  for  if  planted  sooner,  they  would,  under  such 
circumstances,  receive  a  sudden  check,  from  their  being 
removed  into  a  much  colder  atmosphere  than  tlfe  one  they 
had  previously  occupied,  and  which  would  militate  very 
much  against  their  future  prosperity,  if  not  be  the  cause 
of  failure. 

We  will  now  suppose  that  the  house  is  planted  and  all 
ready  for  a  favorable  beginning.  For  the  first  two  or 
three  weeks  keep  all  as  close  and  cool  as  possible,  only 
giving  sufficient  air  to  lower  the  temperature.  After  this 
time  the  house  may  be  kept  a  little  warmer,  and  the  vines 
syringed  overhead  two  or  three  times  a-day.  Do  not  yet 
apply  much  wrater  to  the  roots,  only  maintaining  moisture 
enough  to  keep  the  soil  damp,  without  becoming  soaked, 
as  they  have  not  yet  got  into  brisk  action,  and  conse- 
quently cannot  draw  much  of  it  up.  Avoid  dry  winds, 
and  retain  a  moist  atmosphere,  allowing  the  thermometer 
to  rise  from  70°  to  75°  in  the  middle  of  the  day.  By  the 
middle  of  April  the  buds  will  be  mostly  started,  rub  off 
all  but  the  strongest  one,  and  mind  that  it  is  not  injured, 
or  the  top  broken  out.  As  the  young  growth  continues  to 
extend,  the  paths,  and  the  whole  interior  of  the  house,  and 
likewise  the  plants,  should  be  damped  with  the  syringe  or 


62  THE   G RAP K. 

hose  morning  and  evening,  and  during  dry  weather  in  the 
middle  of  the  day,  avoiding  the  application  in  the  brightest 
sunshine.  Do  not  give  any  bottom  air  until  a  vigorous 
iind  strong  action  is  obtained,  and  not  then  without  great 
caution,  for  it  causes  cold  drafts  in  the  lower  parts  of  the 
house  and  checks  growth,  rendering  the  vines  subject  to 
mildew.  Shut  up  early  to  retain  a  genial  warmth  before 
sunset,  and  gradually  increase  the  temperature,  so  that  at 
the  beginning  of  May  the  thermometer  may  stand  at  90° 
at  mid-day ;  in  cloudy  weather  keep  all  closed  and  en- 
deavor to  keep  as  steady  a  heat  as  possible.  By  the  latter 
end  of  the  month,  the  vines  ought  to  be  growing  vigor- 
ously :  tie  the  canes  up  carefully  as  they  progress,  leaving 
the  ties  semewhat  loose  to  give  room  for  after  swelling, 
and  as  the  laterals  push,  pinch  them  off  to  one  joint,  re- 
serving one  or  two  entire  at  the  top  at  each  pinching  in 
case  of  accident  to  the  leader,  and  likewise  take  clean  out 
the  lower  ones,  or  those  last  left  with  one  leaf,  at  each 
future  operation.  By  this  mode  of  proceedure  they  are 
gradually  reduced,  and  finally  taken  away,  without  endan- 
gering the  bursting  of  the  buds  in  the  axil  of  the  leaf- 
stalks, the  which  are  wanted  for  the  next  year.  The 
heat  may  now  be  increased  to  95 J,  still  recollecting  to  ply 
the  syringe  freely,  excepting  in  dull  or  cold  nights,  when 
water  ought  to  be  withheld,  as  under  such  circumstances 
it  is  apt  to  starve  and  check  the  circulation — a  matter  of 
great  importance. 

The  roots  will  now  be  extending  in  proportion  to  the 
expansion  of  head,  and  must  have  some  attention;  for 
here  are  the  mouths,  and  here  are  also  the  digestive  organs, 
and  woe  betide  the  other  members  of  the  body  if  they 
are  not  well  supplied.  Equally  with  the  amount  of 
healthy  foliage  will  they  draw  moisture  from  the  base  in 
which  they  are  located,  so  long  as  free  development  is 


PLANTING   AND    MANAGEMENT.  63 

progressing,  aud  water  ought  to  be  applied  to  the  soil  ac- 
cordingly. As  there  may  be  reason  in  all  things,  so  in 
this,  and  the  borders  ought  not  to  be  saturated  by  too 
often  repeating  the  application,  but  of  this  there  is  not 
much  danger  if  the  under  base  is  well  drained.  A  fork- 
ing, both  inside  and  out,  over  the  whole  surface,  will  now 
be  of  service,  but  do  not  injure  or  disturb  the  roots ;  this 
will  loosen  up  and  render  the  bed  more  porous,  and  the 
small  rootlets  will  feel  their  way  more  freely,  after  which 
a  mulching  of  dung  or  short  grass,  four  or  five  inches 
thick,  will  prevent  evaporation,  keep  an  equal  tempera- 
ture and  moisture  in  the  soil,  and,  during  hot  and  dry 
weather,  will  almost  entirely  prevent  the  want  of  that 
greatest  of  evil  necessities,  artificial  watering,  to  the  out- 
side beds.  Gradually  increase  the  heat  as  the  vines  pro- 
gress more  rapidly ;  by  the  beginning  of  June  it  may  be 
allowed  to  rise  from  95°  to  10QQ  at  mid-day,  and  if  the 
air  is  kept  damp,  scorching  from  so  high  a  temperature 
will  be  prevented,  and  both  combined  will  enable  the 
plants  to  develop  their  fullest  energies. 

Many  persons  do  not  give  heat  enough ;  even  some  of 
our  very  best  grape  growers  are  sparing  in  this  respect. 
We  ought  to  consider  that,  as  the  grape  vine  is  generally 
grown  under  glass,  we  place  it  in  a  position,  by  the  sup- 
ply of  rich  food,  to  produce  a  more  than  natural  disten- 
tion  of  cellular  tissue  ;  the  larger  leaves  also  are  capable  of 
doing  more  work,  in  elaborating  the  juices  drawn  up  from 
the  roots,  and  these  large  leaves  being  filled  with  an  un- 
common amount  of  sap,  require  a  corresponding  assistance 
in  the  form  of  heat  and  light,  to  properly  chemicalize 
(excuse  the  expression)  this  extra  quantity  of  crude  fluid. 
Hence  the  necessity  of  a  warmer  temperature  than  would 
suffice  for  the  same  plants,  if  they  were  growing  in  the 
open  air,  and  the  roots  in  a  soil  only  ordinarily  fertile. 


64  THE   GKAPK. 

When  the  canes  have  grown  to  the  top  of  the  roof  do 
not  stop  them,  but  train  the  tops  between  the  vines  on 
the  opposite  side,  if  the  house  be  a  double  pitch ;  and  if  a 
lean-to,  they  may  be  allowed  to  hang  down  by  the  back 
wall,  stopping  the  leader  when  it  has  advanced  somewhat 
doAvnwards,  and  leave  the  laterals  on  the  same  length. 
Thus  the  plants  will  go  on  swelling  their  growth  without 
check,  and  adding  bulk  to  their  structure. 

Towards  the  middle  of  August,  the  air  may  be  allowed 
to  become  somewhat  drier,  and  syringing  overhead  gradu- 
ally lessened,  as  the  wood  will  begin  to  mature :  the  lower 
ventilators  may  also  be  opened  on  clear  days — a  little  at 
first,  increasing  more  from  day  to  day.  By  the  third  week 
in  September,  water  should  be  withheld  altogether,  and  as 
the  wood  will  be  ripening,  air  ought  to  be  freely  admitted 
through  the  day,  and  the  temperature  decreased  as  the 
canes  approach  maturity.  When  the  bark  becomes  brown 
and  the  wood  solid,  the  house  may  be  thrown  open  day 
and  night,  excepting  in  case  of  frost  or  heavy  rain,  as  the 
object  now  is  to  let  all  go  quietly  to  rest,  and  the  leaves 
to  fall  off  yellow  and  fully  ripe,  when  we  may  rest  as- 
sured that  nature  has  done  her  work  according  to  her  own 
will,  and  we  have  assisted  her  in  accordance  to  her  own 
laws. 

So  soon  as  the  leaves  are  fallen,  proceed  to  pruning. 
If  all  has  gone  on  as  it  ought  to  have  done,  the  canes  will 
average  five-eighths  to  nearly  one  inch  in  diameter,  ac- 
cording to  the  natural  vigor  of  each  individual  variety,  and 
a  corresponding  length  when  not  stopped,  of  twenty -five  to 
thirty-five  feet.  Cut  off  the  strongest  to  about  seven,  and 
the  weakest  to  five  feet.  Afterwards  take  out  with  the  point 
of  a  knife  each  alternate  bud,  which  will  leave  the  remainder 
about  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches  apart,  tne  object  of  which 
is  explained  in  the  chapter  on  pruning,  Commence  at  the 


PLANTING  AND   MANAGEMENT.  65 

top,  leave  three  buds,  one  for  next  year's  leader,  and  the 
two  others  for  side  spurs ;  proceed  downwards,  leaving 
each  alternate  pair  (one  on  each  side)  to  the  wall  plate, 
and  as  beneath  this,  the  leaves  and  fruit  would  be  out  of 
the  sun's  influence,  and  only  subject  to  encourage  mil- 
dew, all  buds  ought  to  be  removed. 

The  vines  may  now  be  carefully  washed  over  with  the 
following  preparation,  which  will  destroy  the  larvae  or 
eggs  of  insects,  if  any  should  be  existing.  Whale  oil 
soap,  one-fourth  pound;  sulphur,  four  pounds;  tobacco, 
one-fourth  pound ;  and  nux  vomica,  one  ounce  :  pour  over 
these  boiling  water,  three  gallons,  and  stir  all  up  until 
thoroughly  mixed ;  as  the  nux  vomica  is  a  deadly  poison 
to  .animals,  care  should  be  taken  that  it  is  not  left  care- 
lessly about.  A  soft  painter's  brush  is  the  best  for  the 
purpose,  and  after  the  operation  the  canes  may  be  slung 
loosely  to  the  wires  till  the  weather  begins  to  be  severe, 
when  they  should  have  a  coating  of  straw  three  or  four 
inches  thick  tied  around  them,  and  the  heads  brought  down 
one  over  the  other  in  a  horizontal  position,  about  two  feet 
above  the  ground  level,  in  rows  along  the  lines  of  plant- 
ing; this  will  leave  the  lower  parts  of  the  stem  nearly 
upright,  and  prevent  the  crown  of  the  roots  from  being 
strained  or  disturbed.  At  tne  same  time,  be  prepared  with 
a  quantity  of  recently  rotted  turf  sods,  or  fresh,  earth, 
which  has  been  mixed  up  two  or  three  months  with  a 
third  part  of  good  stable  or  barnyard  manure ;  fork  over 
the  borders  both  outside  and  inside  of  the  house,  and  add 
a  dressing  of  three  inches  thick  of  the  above  compost.  If 
the  crowns  were  planted  slightly  elevated,  as  before 
recommended,  this  dressing  will  make  the  surface  level, 
and  greatly  assist  the  production  of  young  rootlets  next 
spring,  besides  protecting  the  tender  fibres  through  the 
winter.  Over  the  whole  area  may  be  put  a  good  coating 


66  THE   GRAPE. 

of  littery  dung,  tree  leaves,  or  other  such  material  to  keep 
out  the  frost,  and  which  may  remain  as  a  mulching  next 
summer. 

Nothing  further  is  now  required,  but  to  shut  up  the 
house  on  severe  nights  and  wet  weather,  till  the  buds 
show  signs  of  bursting  in  the  following  spring. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

MANAGEMENT  FOR  THE  SECOND  YEAR 
AND  PERMANENT  TREATMENT  FOR 
THE  COLD  GRAPERY. 

THE  following  observations  contain  directions  for  the 
treatment  of  a  planting  of  vines  in  the  second  year,  the 
permanent  management  of  the  Cold  Grapery,  and  some 
other  details  of  a  general  character. 

As  the  winter  milds  off,  and  warm  sunny  days  com- 
mence, give  air  sufficient  to  keep  the  house  cool,  and  to 
prevent  the  buds  from  pushing  as  long  as  possible.  If  too 
soon  excited,  the  young  shoots  are  in  danger  of  being 
injured  by  the  late  spring  frosts,  and  cold  storms.  When 
it  is  perceived  that  the  buds  are  swelling,  and  can  no 
longer  be  kept  back,  take  the  covering  off  carefully,  and 
tie  the  vines  down  in  the  form  of  an  arch,  with  the  heads 
leaning  from  the  glass,  as  in  this  position  they  are  not  so 
subject  to  injury  in  case  frost  should  occur;  there  is  also 
the  advantage  of  causing  a  more  lateral  propelling  force 
to  the  rising  sap,  which  is  compelled  to  develop  the 
lower  buds  with  more  certainty,  and  this  action  once 
gained,  with  after  good  management  always  remains. 
Give  a  good  and  thorough  soaking  of  water  to  the  inside 
borders,  which  by  this  time  will  have  become  very  dry, 
also  syringe  overhead  two  or  three  times  a  day,  excepting 
when  the  weather  is  cold,  or  frost  is  to  be  expected,  they 
will  be  assisted  thereby  to  break  uniformly  and  strong. 

(67) 


68  THE  GRAPE. 

The  temperature  should  now  be  regulated  as  advised  for 
the  same  period  last  year,  in  the  preceding  chapter. 

When  the  young  shoots  begin  to  elongate,  sling  the 
canes  loosely  to  the  wires,  but  some  distance  from  the 
glass,  as  the  further  off  for  a  short  time  the  safer  they  will 
be  from  accidental  frosty  nights.  So  soon  as  danger  is 
past,  tie  them  finally  in  their  places,  leaving  the  strings 
loose  enough  for  future  swelling,  and  be  careful  in  training 
the  leading  shoot  upwards,  as  at  this  time  it  is  very  brittle 
and  easily  broken.  If  not  quite  straight  with  the  older 
cane,  the  better  way  is  to  bring  it  into  the  right  position, 
a  little  at  a  time,  when  the  woody  fibre  begins  to  form  in 
the  base. 

The  bunches  will  now  be  clearly  discernible,  and  when 
they  have  fairly  unfolded  from  the  buds,  so  as  to  show 
their  form,  and  comparative  strength,  take  out  all  except- 
ing the  strongest  and  handsomest  one  upon  each  shoot, 
and  remove  likewise  the  tops  of  the  side  branches,  beyond 
the  third  or  fourth  leaf  above  the  bunch.  These  will 
again  break  from  the  top  eye,  and  as  they  do  so,  from 
time  to  time,  nip  out  the  leader  to  one  leaf  above  where 
it  was  last  stopped ;  this  keeps  the  branches  within  bounds, 
and  at  the  same  time  leaves  sufficient  foliage  to  mature 
the  fruit  and  perfect  growth. 

When  the  blossoms  begin  to  expand  withhold  water 
overhead,  let  the  atmosphere  become  somewhat  drier,  and 
keep  up  a  little  more  heat,  and  if  the  weather  will  allow 
it,  a  freer  circulation  of  air,  from  85°  to  90°  at  mid-day  is 
not  too  much,  close  with  good  warmth  in  the  afternoon 
and  open  soon  enough  in  the  morning,  to  prevent  a  scald- 
ing smell  in  the  house.  At  all  times,  with  a  clear  sun  in 
the  morning,  ventilate  so  soon  as  the  house  begins  to  warm 
a  little,  and  close  early ;  the  temperature  by  these  means 
rises  and  falls  gradually.  Nothing  is  worse  in  all  plant 


MANAGEMENT   FOli  THE   SECOND   YEAR.  69 

culture,  than  allowing  a  house  to  be  closed  until  it  becomes 
hot,  and  admitting  at  once  a  great  quantity  of  cold  air;  in 
grape  growing,  it  leads  to  the  most  baneful  results.  Open 
soon,  and  close  early,  ought  to  be  a  maxim  well  riveted 
on  the  mind.  Always  have  a  thermometer  hanging  mid- 
way in  the  house,  about  four  feet  from  the  ground,  and 
shaded  from  the  sun  ;  observe  it  closely,  and  be  guided 
by  it,  and  experience  in  ventilating  will  soon  be  acquired, 
better  than  can  be  described  by  words — always  remem- 
bering that  a  gradual  rise  and  fall  are  the  desiderata. 
Attention  for  a  little  while  will  teach,  that  early  closing 
tends  to  regulate  the  heat  in  the  after  part  of  the  day,  and 
a  due  observance  will  lead  to  exact  adaptability. 

As  the  flowers  continue  to  open,  go  over  the  house 
once  a  day,  and  shake  the  bunches  by  a  light  flirt  of  the 
finger,  which  assists  in  distributing  the  pollen,  and  enables 
impregnation  to  go  on  with  more  certainty.  This  opera- 
tion is  best  if  performed  in  the  morning,  about  the  time  or 
immediately  after  giving  air,  as  the  flowers  of  all  plants 
are  then  in  greater  activity,  and  consequently  there  is  the 
chance  of  more  perfect  fertilization.  There  are  certain 
kinds,  as  the  Alexandrian  Muscat  and  its  allies, — purple 
damask,  &CM  which  do  not  readily  fertilize  with  their  own 
pollen  in  a  cold  house ;  that  may  be  much  assisted  by 
shaking  over  the  flowers  a  bunch  of  Hamburgh  or  other 
hardy  sort,  and  as  there  are  more  bunches  than  is  required 
for  ripening,  there  is  always  enough  to  spare  for  this  purpose. 

When  blossoming  is  past,  and  the  berries  are  fairly 
set,  a  good  syringing  over-head  will  clean  all  the  decayed 
portions  of  flowers  which  cling  to  and  among  the  berries, 
and  will  invigorate  the  whole  plant.  Let  water  now  be 
freely  administered  over  every  part,  being  careful  that  at 
no  time  it  is  driven  with  force  against  the  fruit,  as  in  such 
case  it  injures  the  surface,  and  produces  "  rust." 


70  THE   GltAFE. 

It  will  now  be  plainly  seen  which  are  the  best  set  and 
handsomest  bunches,  and  as  there  are  more  than  it  is  ad- 
visable to  ripen  off,  on  account  of  the  youth  of  the  vines, 
and  the  consequent  danger  of  overbearing,  thereby  injuring 
their  permanent  prosperity,  it  will  be  better  to  reduce  the 
number  according  to  the  strength  of  the  plant,  or  weight 
of  the  bunch.  A  cane  of  three-fourths  inch  diameter  may 
be  allowed  to  carry  from  six  to  seven,  and  one  of  half  an 
inch,  five  to  six  pounds  ;  but  when  they  are  smaller  than 
this,  only  one,  or  at  most  two  bunches  ought  to  remain. 
Some  kinds  form  much  larger  bunches  than  others,  which 
may  be  ascertained  in  some  measure  while  young,  and 
the  number  may  be  calculated  accordingly.  A  well 
shouldered  Hamburgh  will  weigh  from  one  and  a  half  to 
two  and  a  half  pounds;  if  very  large,  from  three  and  a  half 
to  four  pounds ;  while  the  Malvesia  is  a  large  bunch  of  its 
kind  at  ten  ounces.  Better  to  be  guided  by  comparative 
weight  than  number  of  bunches,  as  greater  equality  is 
gained,  and  the  vines  are  rendered  more  uniform  in  vigor 
afterwards.  Be  it  remembered,  that  it  is  much  more  diffi- 
cult to  bring  back  energy  where  a  part  is  injured,  than 
\vhen  the  whole  is  so,  for  the  well-doing  will  take  the 
lion's  share  of  nutriment  from  the  borders.  In  removing 
the  superfluous  clusters  take  out  the  worst  formed  and  most 
weakly,  and  let  the  greater  part  be  near  the  top  of  the 
plant,  leaving  the  bottom  spurs  as  free  as  possible ;  for  a 
vine  while  young  is  prone  to  push  its  strongest  growth 
upwards.  By  bearing  the  upper  part  the  heaviest,  the 
circulation  is  equipoised,  and  the  lower  laterals  are  re- 
lieved, arid  if  the  flow  is  encouraged  to  take  a  lateral 
course  at  first,  it  is  much  easier  to  retain  the  same  after- 
wards. There  is  no  occasion  to  crowd  all  the  crop  at  the 
top,  only  let  the  greater  part  be  there  and  the  object  is 
accomplished. 


MANAGEMENT   FOB  THE  SECOND   YEAR.  71 

All  is  now  to  be  considered  in  full  action, — the  grapes 
about  the  size  of  peas,  and  swelling  fast,  when  it  becomes 
necessary  to  commence  thinning  out  the  superfluous 
berries.  First,  tie  out  the  side  branches,  in  a  horizontal 
position  to  the  wires,  if  not  already  done ;  then  fasten  a 
string  to  the  end  of  each  shoulder,  and  sling  it  up,  at  right 
angle  with  the  stalk,  to  the  wires  also ;  the  smaller  clus- 
ters may  now  be  opened  out  by  inserting  small  strips  of 
wood,  notched  on  the  two  ends,  under  them,  and  supported 
upon  the  projecting  stalks  below.  This  will  open  out  the 
bunch,  and  prevent  the  weight  of  each  cluster  from  bear- 
ing upon  the  lower  berries.  Next,  proceed  to  cut  out  a 
part  of  the  berries,  commencing  at  the  bottom,  and  leaving 
those  for  ripening  far  enough  apart  to  allow  the  aggregate 
to  swell  up,  without  squeezing  each  other  individually 
when  fully  grown.  Some  care  is  required  in  this  operation, 
and  also  a  little  idea,  for  the  object  is  to  leave  to  each 
berry  sufficient  space  to  allow  for  full  development,  and 
yet  not  so  far  apart  as  to  make  the  bunch  loose  and 
straggling.  No  exact  rule  can  be  given  as  to  distance 
required,  but  generally,  one  half  to  two  thirds  ought  to  be 
cut  away  ;  the  larger  berried  kinds  will  need  more  thin- 
ning than  the  smaller,  there  is  also  a  great  difference  in 
the  setting,  but  a  reference  to  the  descriptive  list  hereafter 
given  will  be  a  guide ;  the  latest  sorts  too,  and  those  in- 
tended to  hang  longest,  should  be  more  distant  than  the 
others;  for,  when  a  little  assunder  from  each  other,  the 
grapes  keep  much  longer  than  when  they  are  crowded. 
An  experienced  hand  can  tell  pretty  accurately  how  to 
thin,  so  as  to  make  once  going  over  nearly  suffice,  but  for 
beginners,  it  is  perhaps  better  to  perform  the  operation  at 
two  or  three  times  as  they  swell  up.  After  the  first  year's 
practice  the  right  idea  is  gained,  and  there  is  no  difficulty 
afterwards.  When  thinning,  do  not  handle  the  berries, 


72  TUB   GRAPE. 

or  let  the  hair  rub  them,  for  while  young,  the  skins  are 
very  soon  injured,  when  they  become  disfigured,  and 
marked  with  a  russety  roughness  which  is  technically 
called  rust. 

Continue  to  keep  up  a  temperature  of  90°  to  100° 
through  the  day,  and  use  water  freely ;  damp  the  lower 
part  of  the  house  two  or  three  times  between  morning  and 
evening,  and,  when  syringing  at  sundown,  force  the  water 
into  all  crevices  and  corners  of  the  wood-work,  to  dislodge 
insects.  Where  this  is  attended  to,  red  spider,  or  other 
such  pest,  will  never  do  any  harm.  Do  not  wait  until 
these  vermin  make  their  appearance,  but  always  act  on 
the  principle,  "  prevention  is  better  than  cure.'* 

As  the  leading  shoot  continues  to  progress,  train  it  over 
the  top  to  the  opposite  side,  as  advised  for  last  year,  and 
when  it  interferes  with  the  fruit  spurs  in  its  downward 
course,  pinch  out  the  top,  as  it  would  cause  too  much 
crowding,  and  deprive  the  leaves  from  receiving  due 
light. 

In  very  dry  weather  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  water 
on  the  outside  borders  ;  generally,  one  or  two  applications 
is  enough  for  the  season ;  but  if  severe  drought  should 
continue,  it  will  be  advisable  to  repeat  the  operation  every 
two  weeks,  till  the  fruit  begins  to  color ;  after  which  there 
is  no  occasion  for  more,  as  there  will  be  plenty  of  moisture 
in  the  ground  for  all  purposes.  Were  it  not  so  generally 
considered  that  large  berries  are  a  part  of  perfection,  we 
should  be  disposed  to  recommend  the  withholding  of  water 
at  an  earlier  period ;  and  those  who  would  prefer  a  rich, 
sugary  grape,  regardless  of  size,  will  be  more  sure  to  get 
it  by  using  water  very  sparingly  after  the  stoning  process 
is  fairly  secured.  Under  these  circumstances  there  is  also 
a  better  chance  of  producing  good  color,  as  the  drier  the 
atmosphere  and  borders  of  a  Cold  Grapery,  the  less  danger 


MANAGEMENT   FOR   THE   SECOND   YEAR.  73 

of  mildew ;  consequently,  a  greater  supply  of  fresh  air  may 
be  admitted  with  safety,  the  result  of  which  is,  more  solid- 
ity of  fruit,  a  greater  concentration  of  saccharine  matter, 
and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  a  nearer  approach  to  the  natural 
shades  of  color.  When  water  is  applied  outside,  let  it  be 
a  thorough  soaking — no  mere  dribbling,  but  sufficient  to 
penetrate  down  and  through  the  borders.  The  mulching 
which  was  applied  previous  to  winter  should  also  be  ex- 
amined, and  if  the  surface  is  not  well  covered,  add  more. 
If  the  liquid  drainings  of  a  dunghill  can  be  had,  so  much 
the  better  ;  but,  first,  dilute  with  an  equal  portion  of  soft 
or  rain  water,  and  never  use  it  but  in  a  clear  state,  as 
otherwise  it  clogs  up  the  porosity  of  the  soil,  and  renders 
it  sodden  and  "  sour."  The  drainage  from  a  cow-house 
is  also  very  good,  but  ought  not  to  be  applied  until  some- 
what fermented,  as,  while  caustic,  the  salts  contained  in  it 
are  very  destructive  to  the  roots.  Many  persons  apply 
liquid  manures,  of  various  kinds,  -without  caution,  and 
often  do  much  injury  thereby,  while,  if  rightly  used,  they 
are  of  the  greatest  advantage.  By  the  second  week  in 
July,  some  of  the  earliest  sorts  will  begin  to  change  for 
ripening,  when  water  may  be  dispensed  with  overhead, 
but  still  applied  to  the  roots  in  clear  weather,  which  will 
cause  the  atmosphere  to  be  drier.  With  the  ripening  of 
the  fruit  comes  also  an  approach  towards  maturity  of  the 
wood,  and  during  this  period,  water  is  only  essential  to  keep 
up  a  healthy  action,  and  should  be  gradually  discontinued. 
As  a  little  quantity,  often  distributed,  only  damps  the  surface, 
and  the  evaporation  resulting  therefrom  produces  a  moist  at- 
mosphere when  a  dry  one  is  wanted,  the  times  of  applying  it 
ought  to  be  less  often  j  but  when  done,  a  good  soaking 
should  be  given.  Once  a  week,  for  two  or  three  weeks,  will 
be  enough,  and  after  that  time  once  in  two  weeks,  up  to  the 
middle  of  September,  when  it  may  be  withheld  entirely. 
4 


74  THE   GRAPE. 

As  the  grapes  continue  to  color,  admit  more  air  in  clear 
days,  open  the  lower  ventilators,  a  little  at  first,  gradually 
increasing,  till  a  free  current  is  obtained,  which  will  assist 
very  much  in  improving  the  quality  in  all  respects,  and 
likewise  help  in  ripening  the  wood. 

After  all  are  ripe,  the  house  may  be  thrown  open  day 
and  night,  excepting  in  storms  or  wet  weather,  when  it 
ought  to  be  partially  closed,  so  as  to  exclude  the  rain,  and 
at  the  same  time  leave  air  to  prevent  the  grapes  from  be- 
coming mouldy  or  cracked. 

When  frosty  nights  begin  to  occur,  the  house  ought  to 
be  closed  in  the  evening,  and  opened  again  early  in  the 
morning.  Let  the  temperature  gradually  cool  down,  but 
keep  the  leaves  from  injury,  for  the  grand  object  now  is  to 
preserve  them  until  they  fall  off  perfectly  ripe,  when  we 
know  that  nature  is  satisfied,  and  the  wood  sufficiently 
matured  to  insure  all  requirements  for  another  season's 
development. 

Immediately  after  the  leaves  are  fallen  is  the  best  time 
to  prune ;  and  as  we  are  now  considered  to  be  dealing 
with  vines  which  have  had  two  summers'  growth,  cut 
down  the  cane  of  the  present  season  to  the  same  length, 
according  to  size  or  vigor,  and  likewise  disbud  it,  as  ad- 
vised for  the  last  fall  pruning,  which  will  make  a  total 
length  from  the  bottom  of  nine  to  twelve  feet.  Cut  the 
side  spurs  to  three  or  four  buds  from  the  extreme  base, 
according  as  they  may  be  plump  or  well  rounded,  and  at 
the  same  time  peel  off  the  loose  bark  from  the  outside  of 
the  stem  which  has  two  seasons'  growth,  but  do  not  injure 
that  which  is  immediately  beneath  the  loose  outer  cover- 
ing, nor  remove  any  from  the  side  spurs,  or  the  present 
summer's  cane.  The  object  of  this  peeling  is  to  prevent 
the  lodgment  of  insects ;  with  this  exception,  it  would  be 
better  left  on,  for  nature  never  forms  any  covering  but 


MANAGEMENT   FOR   THE   SECOND   YEAR.  75 

what  is  useful ;  but  as  this  outer  and  loose  bark  is  virtu- 
ally dead,  it  is  of  no  further  use  than  protection  against 
cold ;  so  that  if  the  vines  are  carefully  covered  from  ex- 
treme frost,  there  is  no  harm  in  taking  it  off. 

The  vines  may  now  be  washed  over  with  the  prepara- 
tion, as  advised  for  last  year,  and  brought  down  into  the 
same  horizontal  position ;  and  as  it  is  not  easy  to  cover  the 
spurs,  if  wrapped  around  with  straw,  the  better  way  is 
to  have  long,  narrow  boxes,  open  at  the  ends,  or  to 
cover  loosely  with  marsh  hay,  or  evergreen  boughs.  Let 
the  house  remain  open  through  the  winter,  excepting  in 
stormy,  wet,  or  very  severe  frosty  weather,  and  shut  up 
the  doors  at  night,  to  prevent  rats  or  mice  from  getting  in, 
as  they  will  gnaw  the  bark,  and  do  much  mischief.  It  is 
a  good  plan  to  keep  a  cat  inside. 

A  week  or  two  previous  to  the  leaves  falling,  fork  over 
the  borders  carefully,  both  outside  and  inside ;  by  doing 
it  at  this  time,  any  small  rootlets  which  may  be  unavoid- 
ably broken  will  have  time  to  heal  up  before  winter  sets 
in.  When  severe  weather  is  apprehended,  cover  over  the 
whole  surface  with  three  or  four  inches  of  good  stable  ma- 
nure, and  add  an  additional  layer  of  litter  or  leaves  of  about 
the  same  depth  to  prevent  the  frost  from  entering,  and  make 
"  assurance  doubly  sure." 

As  the  general  routine  of  this  season's  practice  will  ap- 
ply to  all  others,  so  far  as  the  Cold  Grapery  is  concerned, 
it  is  useless  to  follow  this  part  of  the  subject  further,  than 
by  stating  (as  we  are  treating  of  a  set  of  vines  in  the  first 
bearing),  that  the  average  crop  may  be  doubled  next  year, 
according  to  robustness  and  health,  which  will  admit  of 
ten  to  fourteen  pounds  of  grapes  being  taken  off  each,  pro- 
viding all  are  healthy.  It  is  well  to  observe  the  progress 
of  any  which  do  not  keep  pace  with  the  rest,  and  where 
there  is  a  want  of  vigor,  to  ease  accordingly,  by  not  allow- 


76  THE  GKAPE. 

ing  them  to  carry  so  much  fruit  as  the  stronger  ones.  A 
much  larger  weight  than  the  above  might  be  left  to  ripen 
under  some  circumstances,  but,  as  a  general  rule,  it  would 
not  be  advisable,  where  permanent  prosperity  is  desired. 
What  is  mentioned  is  easily  attainable,  and  nothing  is 
advised  that  I  have  not  practically  found  to  succeed  as 
described.  In  pruning  in  the  fall  of  the  third  season  there 
is  some  difference,  which  will  be  found  fully  described  in 
the  chapter  on  pruning. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  EARLY  GRAPERY,  OR  FORCING 
HOUSE. 

WHEN  the  gardener  aspires  to  the  high  attainment  of 
modifying  or  improving  landscape,  he  ought  to  possess  the 
marvellous  ideality  of  the  poet,  and  should  be  acquainted 
with  those  nice  perceptions  of  light  and  shade  that  the 
most  sensitive  painter  is  endowed  with ;  but  when  his 
abilities  are  applied  to  the  forcing  of  the  grape,  it  may  be 
said  that  he  puts  his  best  practical  talent  and  observing 
faculties  in  the  most  elevated  position.  It  is  true  that 
there  are  many  details  of  another  character  which  require 
as  much  skill,  and  they  may  be  as  successfully  carried 
out,  but  the  popularity  of  this  justly  esteemed  fruit  eclipses 
everything  else,  and  he  looks  with  feelings  of  enthusiastic 
pride  upon  the  crop,  as  he  views  the  fine  clusters  hanging 
from  his  thrifty  vines. 

Those  who  are  satisfied  to  have  ripe  grapes  by  the  mid- 
dle or  latter  end  of  June,  need  incur  no  very  extraordinary 
expense,  but  whoever  would  require  the  same  at  the  be- 
ginning of  May,  must  expect  to  swallow  dear  morsels,  and 
there  are  not  many,  excepting  those  who  have  wealth  at 
command  that  will  attempt  it.  There  is,  however,  a  grow- 
ing desire  to  enjoy  the  luxury,  and  increased  encourage- 
ment is  given  to  the  commercial  cultivator  in  the  higher 
prices  that  are  now  to  be  obtained.  May  we  hope  that  this 
encouragement  will  progress,  and  that,  although  it  has  not 
hitherto  been  sufficient,  yet  it  may  become  so  great  as  to 

(77) 


78  THE  GRAPE. 

bring  a  larger  supply  into  market.  However  energetic 
our  most  scientific  fruit-growers  may  be,  and  in  tliis  they 
are,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  on  a  par  with  any  other  profes- 
sion, yet  it  cannot  be  expected,  that  they  will  supply  an 
article  which  will  not  meet  with  some  profit.  To  this  they 
are  entitled  by  the  standard  of  reward  which  is  given  to 
other  attendants  upon  refinement,  and  why  should  there 
be  a  lack  in  this  instance,  for  those  who  set  a  dish  of  lus- 
cious, tempting  grapes  before  their  guests  at  so  early  a 
period,  not  only  show  their  own  hospitality  to  the  invited, 
but  also  pay  a  compliment  to  scientific  horticulture,  give 
a  stimulus  to  the  exertions  of  the  skilful  practitioner,  and 
encourage  the  development  of  that  important  contributor 
to  the  country's  wealth,  Pomology.  It  has  become  fashion- 
able to  display  a  handsome  arrangement  of  flowers  on  the 
festive  board  at  a  time  when  every  blade  of  vegetation 
seems  withered  by  the  frigid  blast ;  no  expense  is  here 
spared,  and  why  should  it  not  be  as  much  desired,  to  have 
an  equally  rare  representation  of  fruit  ?  Let  Pomona  and 
Flora  meet  on  equal  terms  at  our  entertainments,  recognize 
each  alike,  and  we  shall  prove  that  we  can  appreciate  all 
parts  of  the  garden  which  the  all  wise  Designer  of  the 
universe  has  committed  to  our  care  and  keeping,  and  which 
he  has  commanded  us  to  improve. 

When  very  early  forcing  is  desirable,  it  ought  never  to 
be  attempted  with  plants  that  have  not  been  previously 
subjected  more  or  less  to  the  same  process.  If  the  vines 
are  young,  they  may,  in  the  first  year  of  bearing,  be  for- 
warded somewhat,  and  in  the  next  year  they  will  be  in 
a  fit  state  to  be  worked  early.  With  older  plants  the  case 
is  somewhat  different,  particularly  if  they  be  spur-pruned, 
for  there  is  a  greater  tendency  to  burst  the  buds ;  still, 
even  in  this  case,  it  were  better  if  they  had  been  forwarded 
the  season  previous.  It  is  often  argued  that  the  continual 


THE    EARLY   GRAPERY   OR   FORGING   HOUSE.        79 

forcing  of  the  same  stock  weakens,  and  eventually  wears 
out  the  plant,  in  consequence  of  which  it  is  best  to  alter- 
nate ;  to  a  certain  extent  we  may  admit,  that  there  is  some 
truth  in  this,  but  not  so  much  as  some  would  seem  to 
think  ;  if  the  borders  were  to  be  kept  warm,  and  the  roots 
attended  to  with  the  same  care  as  the  tops,  there  would 
not  be  so  many  examples  of  early  imbecility  to  complain 
of.  True,  all  may  be  done  that  ingenuity  can  invent,  and 
yet  the  exact  growing  temperature  of  summer  will  not 
be  obtained — artificial  heat  is  not  so  stimulating  as  that  of 
the  sun,  but  in  our  ^cloudless  clime,  even  in  the  winter 
time,  there  is  much  bright  and  clear  weather,  which  con- 
siderably assists  our  action,  and  if  not  quite  so  favorable 
as  we  could  wish,  it  is  sufficiently  so  to  enable  us,  with 
good  management  and  proper  conveniences,  to  so  far  suc- 
ceed that  a  house  of  vines  will  admit  of  being  uninter- 
ruptedly forced  for  many  years  in  succession,  and  with 
far  more  certainty  than  the  exploded  notion  of  resting. 
It  is  more  reasonable,  and  much  more  consistent  with 
nature,  that  the  same  periodical  action  should  be  allowed 
to  go  on,  provided  it  is  not  opposed  to  the  peculiar  consti- 
tution of  any  particular  plant,  and  in  the  case  before  us, 
there  does  not  seem  to  be  anything  unnatural,  unless  the 
allowing  of  a  greater  length  of  time  for  the  full  concentra- 
tion of  the  juices  can  be  called  such,  and  it  is  well  known 
that  the  finest  grapes,  and  most  prosperous  vines,  are  to 
be  found  in  those  countries  which  have  longer  and  steadier 
summers  than  our  own.  So  that,  if  all  is  well  done  that 
ought  to  be  done  during  the  earlier  stages  of  development, 
the  plants  have  all  the  remainder  of  the  summer  to  mature 
their  wood  from  the  embryo  fruit  buds,  and  prepare  for 
the  more  willing  start  the  next  season.  Of  course  we  may 
over-do  this  like  most  other  things ;  as  the  grape  vine, 
with  the  great  amount  of  heat  that  we  have  through  the 


80  THE   GRAPE. 

summer,  and  that  which  is  given  in  the  greatest  ex- 
tremes of  forcing,  will  be  subjected  to  as  much  if  not  more 
of  that  element  than  is  to  be  found  in  the  very  hottest 
parts  of  the  world,  in  which  regions  our  present  subject 
does  not  thrive ;  but  in  the  most  extreme  cases,  it  is  better 
to  commence  anew  when  nature  is  so  far  exhausted  as  to 
be  no  further  remunerative,  and  as  in  establishments  where 
this  is  required,  there  are  always  several  houses  at  work, 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  having  the  worn-out  lot  replaced 
by  another  planting. 

Where  grapes  are  required  so  early,  as  above  mentioned, 
it  is  necessary  that  the  outside  borders  should  have  a  share 
of  attention,  and  we  here  take  the  opportunity  of  offering 
a  few  general  remarks  on  this  head. 

If  we  refer  to  those  localities  or  climates  where  vegeta- 
tion prospers  best,  and  to  the  most  fruitful  regions,  we 
shall  find  that  there  is  no  great  disparity  in  the  average 
degree  of  heat  between  the  atmosphere  and  the  ground 
in  which  the  roots  of  plants  exist ;  consequently,  there  is 
a  reciprocity,  and  an  equal  action,  or  equal  quiescence 
over  all  parts.  We  know  likewise  from  experience,  that 
if  the  head  of  any  plant  were  exposed  to  summer  heat, 
and  the  roots  in  the  cold  of  an  ice  house,  prosperity  could 
not  long  continue ;  in  such  a  case,  if  it  were  positively 
seen,  we  should  know  the  evil  results  that  would  follow, 
and  alter  the  circumstances  accordingly,  yet  strange  to 
say,  there  are  some  men  at  the  present  day,  strongly  at- 
tached to  planting  the  grape  vine  outside  of  the  house, 
and  still  stranger,  the  same  persons  are  more  particularly 
so  when  forcing  is  intended ;  such  men  will  argue  that  in 
this  position,  the  roots  more  readily  progress  through  the 
outside  borders,  and  that  it  is  indispensably  necessary,  as 
they  have  seen  fine  grapes  grown  in  this  way.  Such  logic 
is,  however,  contrary  to  all  true  physiological  reasoning, 


THE  EARLY  GRAPERY  OR  FORCING  HOUSE.   81 

for  we  all  know  the  benefit  of  keeping  all  parts  of  other 
plants  in  an  equal  temperature,  or  if  there  is  any  difference 
to  be  made,  a  gentle  bottom  heat  under  and  among  the 
roots,  and  also  about  the  lower  parts  of  the  stems,  con- 
duces to  healthfulness  and  success.  Why  then  should  the 
grape  vine  be  made  an  exception,  for  it  is  subject  to  and 
is  governed  by  the  same  laws  as  other  parts  of  the  vege- 
table kingdom,  and  the  reason  why  it  does  not  so  soon 
resist  the  bad  treatment  which  is  so  often  practised  upon 
it,  is  on  account  of  its  greater  docility  of  constitution.  For 
late  crops  the  planting  outside  is  not  of  so  much  conse- 
quence, as  the  natural  temperature  only  differs  compara- 
tively little  from  the  inside,  but  for  early  forcing,  it  is 
absolutely  requisite  that  the  stems  should  be  in  the  house, 
and  if  possible,  the  roots  ought  to  be  kept  in  the  same 
temperature  as  the  tops.  To  accomplish  this  desideratum, 
some  of  the  best  cultivators  in  Britain  cover  over  the  bor- 
ders during  winter  and  spring,  with  a  sufficient  depth  of  fer- 
menting manure,  and  replenish  it  as  the  heat  decreases ;  this 
may  do  well  enough  where  the  winters  are  not  severe,  but 
in  such  a  climate  as  the  Middle  and  Northern  States  of 
America,  the  same  practice  cannot  be  satisfactorily  adopted, 
for,  owing  to  the  severity  of  the  weather,  there  would  be 
no  end  to  labour,  and  the  quantity  of  material  required ; 
so  that  we  ought  to  have  recourse  to  other  and  more  con- 
venient means  to  accomplish  the  same  end,  if  we  wish  to 
acquire  the  best  results,  a"nd  endanger  as  little  as  possible 
the  welfare  of  the  plants.  We  may  get  along  pretty  well 
by  covering  over  with  a  good  depth  of  tree  leaves,  or 
other  like  material,  that  will  arrest  the  escape  of  the  heat 
contained  in  the  soil,  and  prevent  the  penetration  of  cold, 
and  this  will  answer  well  enough  when  gentle  forcing  only 
is  practised,  but  it  is  nothing  more  than  a  make-shift  job 
for  earlier  crops,  and  answers  a  very  poor  purpose.  A 
4* 


82  THE   GRAPE. 

better  substitute,  and  a  much  more  effectual  plan,  is  to 
cover  the  border  with  glazed  sashes,  or  wooden  shutters, 
and  to  conduct  an  extra  pipe  from  the  hot-water  apparatus, 
or  a  length  of  flue,  which  may  be  conveyed  around  the 
outside,  and  sunk  in  a  cavity,  so  that  the  top  .may  be  open, 
and  even  with  the  surface.  During  the  time  when  forcing 
is  going  on,  the  heat  may  in  this  way  be  made  to  circulate 
over  the  surface,  and  forms  a  stratum  of  warm  air  within 
the  chamber  made  by  the  covering,  which  need  not  to  be 
elevated  more  than  six  inches  above  the  upper  level  of 
the  border,  so  as  to  keep  the  collected  heat  more  im- 
mediately near  the  roots,  and  by  limiting  the  space  to  be 
heated,  prevent  waste.  Wooden  shutters  are  best,  so  far 
as  retaining  the  heat  is  concerned,  there  is  likewise  no  dan- 
ger of  breakage,  but  glass  sashes  have  the  advantage  of 
collecting  a  considerable  degree  of  caloric  during  sunshine, 
and  will  somewhat  counterbalance  the  loss  occasioned  by 
its  conducting  properties.  No  doubt  some  persons,  who 
may  be  disposed  to  have  early  grapes,  may  think  such 
appurtenances  very  troublesome  and  expensive,  to  which 
we  would  answer,  if  a  thing  is  worth  doing  at  all,  do  it 
well,  for  all  horticultural  products  are  cheapest  when  well 
attended  to,  and  such  a  convenience  once  obtained  will 
last  many  years,  as  it  may  be  removed  in  the  summer  sea- 
son, and  packed  away,  and  the  channel  in  which  the  out- 
side heating  apparatus  is  placed,  may  at  the  same  time  be 
covered  over,  to  prevent  any  unsightly  appearance,  further 
than  the  r.ow  of  boards  or  flags,  as  the  top  will  be  level 
with  the  surrounding  surface.  That  good  grapes  have 
been  and  still  will  continue  to  be  forced  early  without  such 
an  appendage  is  reasonably  admitted,  but  is  it  not  more 
in  accordance  with  nature,  to  supply  the  roots  with  warmth 
at  the  same  time  as  the  branches,  and  is  there  not  a  greater 
probability  that  success  will  be  more  certain,  and  the  yield 


THE    EAULY    GRAPKRY    Oil   FORCING   HOUSE.        83 

comparatively  superior,  besides  the  enabling  the  plants 
to  go  through  the  various  stages  of  development,  and  after 
concentration,  with  less  injury  to  the  whole  body. 

As  stated  above,  it  is  generally  conceded  that  a  house 
cannot  be  forced  very  early,  for  many  years,  without  the 
vines  becoming  weak  and  exhausted,  consequently  many 
growers  go  on  the  plan  of  alternating  from  one  house  to 
another,  each,  or  every  other  season  ;  thereby,  as  they  ac- 
knowledge, resting  the  vines.  "Where  all  other  requisites 
are  added  to  good  culture,  there  is  no  necessity  for  this, 
for,  when  once  a  plant  has  been  induced  by  forcing  to 
break  early,  it  is  afterwards  disposed  to  the  same,  and  it 
only  requires  half  the  amount  of  heat  to  start  such  a  plant 
that  will  be  necessary  for  one  that  has  not  been  brought 
the  season  previous  to  the  same  condition.  As  to  the  weak 
and  slender  bearing  wood,  it  is  quite  reasonable  that  that 
is  a  consequence  of  the  tops  being  unduly  excited  while 
the  roots  are  confined  in  a  cold  base,  and  therefore  have 
not  the  power  to  supply  the  plant  with  the  proper  juices 
in  sufficient  quantity  for  its  own  development.  The  best 
cultivators  are  aware  of  this  fact,  and  the  adoption  of  the 
above  plan  has  resulted  in  the  most  marked  success,  and 
we  have  known  houses  which  were  forced  year  after  year, 
produce  heavy  crops  of  fine  fruit,  when  the  borders  were 
covered  as  advised  above.  It  is  not  to  be  expected  that 
as  fine  bunches  or  as  large  berries  can  be  obtained  from 
the  earliest  forcing,  but  that  a  good  quality  may  be  had 
uninterruptedly,  is  a  fact  that  needs  no  further  demon- 
stration. 

For  the  first  early  crop,  the  vines  ought  to  be  pruned  in 
October,  and  if  the  leaves  are  not  fallen  at  the  time,  let 
what  are  still  left  remain  on— for,  until  they  become  fully 
ripe  and  change  color  the  structure  of  the  plant  is  receiv- 
ing more  matured  body.  Commence  operations  the  latter 


81  THE   GRAPE. 

part  of  November,  by  tying  down  the  heads  of  the  vines  as 
before  advised,  and  as  it  is  presumed  that  the  inside  borders 
have  become  very  dry,  give  a  thorough  soaking  of  water 
over  the  whole  interior,  wash  well  into  all  chinks  and  cre- 
vices of  the  wood-work  to  dislodge  insects,  their  eggs,  or 
larvae;  maintain  for  eight  or  ten  days  a  night  temperature 
of  45°,  allowing  it  to  rise  to  60°  or  65°  with  clear  sunlight ; 
at  the  end  of  this  time  increase  the  heat  for  the  next  two 
weeks  to  50°  by  night,  and  65°  to  70°  by  day,  with  a  free 
use  of  the  syringe  over  the  vines,  and  keep  a  quantity  of 
evaporating  pans  on  the  flues  or  pipes  constantly  filled  with 
water.  All  artificial  heat,  excepting  the  open  tank,  has  a 
tendency  to  dry  the  air  inside  forcing  houses  more  rapidly 
than  that  from  the  sun,  and  as  in  the  earlier  stages  of  de- 
velopment, a  damp  atmosphere  is  particularly  requisite, 
this  point  cannot  be  too  carefully  attended  to.  According 
as  the  heat  is  increased,  let  the  moisture  correspond — 
fancy  a  warm  April  morning,  and  imitate  that  as  near  as 
possible.  The  buds  will  be  swelling  by  this  time,  and 
most  likely  the  weather  severe,  when  care  must  be  used  in 
ventilating.  Our  own  practice  in  all  plant  culture  is,  not 
to  admit  any  bottom  air  from  the  front  lights  through  the 
winter  months,  being  convinced  from  repeated  experiments 
in  different  ways,  and  with  many  plants,  that  is  one  of  the 
most  injurious  methods  that  can  be  resorted  to.  The 
temperature  may  be  sufficiently  lowered,  and  a  current  of 
wholesome  air  maintained,  by  letting  the  heat  pass  off  at 
the  top  ventilators,  which  it  is  sure  to  do  from  its  own  re- 
duced specific  gravity,  and  accordingly  as  it  escapes  there 
is  a  certainty  of  a  fresh  supply  being  drawn  in  through  the 
laps  of  the  glass,  and  other  apertures,  which  .occur  even 
in  the  tightest  constructed  houses;  depend  upon  it  the 
lower  or  front  part  of  any  winter  worked  house,  will  at  all 
times  be  cool  enough,  without  purposely  introducing  a 


THE  EARLY  GRAPERY  OR  FORCING  HOUSE.   85 

stream  of  cold  air  to  pass  over  and  among  the  leaves,  as 
it  traverses  upwards,  and  forces  the  heat  out ;  most  of  the 
mildew  that  attacks  roses  and  verbenas  in  the  winter  time 
is  produced  by  this  cause,  and  if  such  plants  as  these  suffer, 
surely  the  grape  vine  must  share  the  same  fate.  One  of 
the  worst  things  that  we  have  to  deal  with  in  forcing  this 
fruit  is  the  extreme  difference  of  the  outside  temperature 
from  that  which  is  essential  for  its  well-doing  inside  of  the 
house  ;  and  particularly  during  its  more  easily  injured 
stages,  there  are  the  most  frigid  blasts  to  contend  against, 
and  very  sudden  transitions,  from  dull  or  cloudy  weather, 
to  bright  sunshine ;  owing  to  which  it  behooves  us  to  study 
carefully  how  we  proceed,  and  imitate  as  nearly  as  we  can 
those  peculiarities  of  natural  climate  which  observation 
shows  to  be.  conducive  to  the  most  healthy  development. 
This  is  more  particularly  mentioned  here,  because  many 
persons  are  prone  to  take  advantage  of  all  the  little  oppor- 
tunities that  occur  to  admit  "fresh  air,"  without  taking  into 
consideration  these  principles  in  trying  to  accomplish  the 
object  in  view. 

So  soon  as  the  buds  are  well  burst,  the  vines  may  be 
tied  to  the  wires  in  their  permanent  position,  and  the  heat 
very  slowly  but  gradually  increased ;  if  it  were  possible 
to  be  so  exact,  about  two  thirds  of  a  degree  per  night  and 
one  each  day  in  clear  weather  would  be  about  an  average, 
until  65°  at  night,  and  80°  to  90°  by  day  (according  as  it 
might  be  cloudy  or  sunshine)  were  arrived  at.  As  the 
shoots  continue  to  elongate,  tie  them  to  the  side  wires,  but 
be  careful  not  to  commence  this  operation  too  soon,  as  they 
are  very  brittle,  and  subject  to  break  off  at  the  axil  when 
young.  The  bunches  by  this  time  will  be  readily  seen  and 
as  the  future  treatment  with  regard  to  fertilization,  stop- 
ping, thinning,  &c.,  is  the  same  as  explained  in  the  last 
chapter,  there  is  no  occasion  for  repetition.  The  greatest 


86  THE   GRAPE. 

difference  now  required  between  tliis  and  the  Cold 
Grapery,  is,  in  maintaining  as  nearly  as  possible  the  same 
growing  temperature,  which  is  more  simply  obtained  when 
the  weather  is  genial ;  and  from  what  explanations  are 
given,  it  will  only  require  a  little  observation  on  the  part 
of  the  cultivator  to  carry  out  these  instructions. 

When  the  fruit  begins  to  ripen,  the  front  lights  may  be 
opened  on  soft  and  mild  days,  but  not  otherwise,  for  any- 
thing like  a  sudden  check  will  injure  the  color,  and  stay 
the  carbonic  chemical  change  which  at  this  time  is  going 
on  in  the  fruit,  by  which  the  sugar  may  more  or  less 
abound,  according  as  this  action  is  encouraged  or  inter- 
cepted. It  is  also  advisable  at  this  exact  period,  that 
the  night  temperature  be  kept  very  carefully  up  to  the 
average  until  the  fruit  is  fully  ripe  ;  a  trifle  of  prolonged 
firing  more  than  pays  for  the  small  extra  quantity  of  fuel 
and  labor,  by  the  better  sample  which  is  thereby  gained. 

If  the  outside  borders  are  covered  by  glass  or  shutters 
they  will  require  an  occasional  supply  of  water,  say  three 
or  four  times  between  the  period  of  the  fruit  setting  and 
the  final  swelling,  which  may  be  accomplished  by  lifting 
the  covers,  one  by  one,  for  the  time  being,  when  the  wea- 
ther is  mild,  and  never  use  water  which  is  cold  for  this  or 
any  other  purpose  in  grape-growing.  Have  a  tank  large 
enough  for  all  uses  situated  in  some  convenient  part  of 
the  house,  and  keep  it  filled,  so  that  what  is  applied  may 
be  of  an  equal  temperature,  or  nearly  so  with  the  air. 

When  the  fruit  is  all  well  ripened,  it  is  desirable  to 
keep  a  part  of  it  for  successional  use,  and  the  house  may 
now  be  freely  ventilated  during  clear  and  warm  weather, 
but  when  fog,  damp,  or  cold  prevails,  the  air  ought  to  be 
only  partially  admitted.  There  is  no  occasion  to  fear  mil- 
dew in  an  early  forced  house,  but  no  advantage  is  to  be 
gained  by  submitting  the  fruit,  or  even  leaves,  at  this 


THE   EARLY   GRAPERY"    OR    FORCING    HOUSE.        87 


stage,  to  the  extreme  changes  that  frequently  occur. 
This  free  ventilation  will,  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  two, 
prepare  the  leaves  for  the  full  and  uncontrolled  action  of 
the  air,  and  the  house  may  then  be  left  open  night  and 
day  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  season,  and  there 
will  be  no  further  trouble  than  stopping  the  too  extended 
growth,  or  an  occasional  thorough  syringing  over  all  parts 
to  check  the  red  spider,  thrips,  or  other  insects,  the  two 
first  of  which  become  a  great  pest  to  early  forced  vines 
when  not  attended  to. 

To  obtain  a  second  early  crop,  which  may  be  considered 
to  be  ripe  by  the  middle  of  June,  or  early  part  of  July,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  apply  fire  heat  from  the  beginning 
or  middle  of  February,  as  the  case  may  be ;  and  as  all 
the  details  of  management  have  been  heretofore  explained, 
the  same  practice,  with  slight  modifications,  will  be  appli- 
cable. The  annexed  journal,  which  was  kept  by  the 
writer,  during  the  progress  of  a  house  of  this  character 
last  year,  giving  the  temperature  inside  the  house,  and 
outside  in  the  shade,  at  sunrise,  noon,  and  ten  o'clock  at 
night — with  the  current  kind  of  weather,  and  occasional 
remarks,  will,  perhaps,  supply  any  deficiency  that  may 
have  accidentally  occurred. 


DATE. 

JXSIDE. 

OUTSIDE 

WKATHER. 

REMARKS. 

eh.       3d 

40.60.4-° 

I7.2z.15 

Cloudy,  with  snow 

House  thoroughly  cleansed 

4th 

41.63.41 

16.21.1-2 

Clear. 

and    the    inside    borders 

6th 

41.65.42 

18.38.24 

Partially  cloudy. 

well  soaked  with  water. 

6th 

43.62.45 

12.26.14 

Clear. 

7th 

43.62.47 

14:36.24 

Cloudy  afternoon. 

Forked  inside,  and  covered 

etfa 

41.61.45 

34.48.44 

Heavy  rain  all  day 

w^th  rotted  manure. 

9th 

47.70.52 

35.47.34 

Clear. 

10th 

48.73.50 

33.46.20 

Syringed     regularly     over- 

llth 
12th 

46.76.49 
47.71.50 

16.21.18 
21.32.24 

head  morning-  and  night. 

13lh 
14th 

49.68.55 
51.65.58 

38.41.36 
36.40.34 

Foggy  all  day. 

15th 

52.66.68 

34.38.36 

16th 

50.65.54 

36.41.24 

Cloudy  till  noon. 

17th 

51.75.56 

20.39.16 

Clear. 

18th 

55.80.58 

22.37.32 

88 


THE   GRAPE. 


DATE. 

IXSIDE. 

OUTSIDE 

WEATHER. 

REMARKS. 

Feb.      19tl 

f4.74.5° 

o6.4l/ij 

Cloudy  till  noon 

20tl 

56.71.5' 

26.28.2-2 

Severe  snow  storm. 

21s 

52.74.5P 

23.36.22 

Storm  continued. 

22d 

60.82.61 

i8.44.3t 

Clear. 

Giizzly  Frontignan.  begin  to 

23d 

58.81.5:-. 

16/29.12 

Clear,  strong  wind. 

burst  the  tuds. 

24tt 

57.85.60 

12.38.30 

I'arlially  clouded. 

26t! 

58.88.5: 

20.36.24 

Jitar. 

White,  Frontignan  and  Chas- 

2ft! 

57.69.60 

3U.4S.44 

Cloudy,  rain  &  wind 

belas  bursting. 

2711 

55.79.59 

37.45.23 

Snow  cieai  evening 

28tl 

59.85.61 

20.36.30 

Hazy. 

March     Is 

60.87.01 

26.4-2.30 

Partially  cloudy. 

2d 

61.88.6i 

32.44.36 

Cloudy  afternoon. 

3d 

58.81.60 

36.47.35 

H'oggy  morning. 

Hamburghs  and  Tokay  burst- 

4(1 

60.77.61 

36.48.41 

Slight  fog. 

ing. 

5ti 

53.83.61 

36.42.30 

Cloudy  morning. 

Muscat  bursting. 

6th 

58.85.60 

31.52.29 

Ciear. 

7tl 

8tl 

59.86.61 
60.73.60 

30  51  .34 
36.44.38 

Foggy  ail  day. 

Syringing  continued  morning 
and  evening. 

9u 

59.72.61 

37.50.38 

10th 

5-.  73.  60 

57.45.40 

" 

lltl 

61.  80.  6", 

36.52  32 

Clear. 

12th 

SO.  84.  63 

32.55.40 

u 

13U 

61.87.64 

41.66.54 

H 

Tied  up  Chasselas  Fontame- 

14th 

59.87.65 

43.58.4-2 

Partially  cloudy. 

bleau. 

15U 

81.88.65 

41.66  45 

"            " 

Tied  up  Frontignans. 

16th 

62.90.70 

47.76.58 

Jlear. 

"        Tokay. 

17th 

63.89.70 

41   72.48 

" 

"        Ham  burghs. 

18U 

61.91.67 

Ji8.3l.20 

Clear,  cold  wind. 

"        Muscat. 

19th 

62.92.64 

22.34  30 

u                 u 

20tl 

59.87.59 

28.37.17 

it                a 

21s 

60.89.62 

21.35.26 

a                a 

22d 

53.81.60 

25.36.30 

Cloudy,  with  snow. 

23d 

61.83.64 

31  .40.28 

Storm  till  noon. 

24th 

59.91.62 

28.35.26 

Partially  cloudy. 

25  1  h 

60.88.64 

20.31.26 

Cloudy,  cold  wind. 

26th 

61.87.62 

27.33  26 

U                         14 

27lh 

59.87.64 

23.37.24 

Clear,  cold  wind. 

28th 
29th 

60.85.67 

59.89.63 

22.35.19 
21.38.35 

'artially  cloudy, 
C'»ld  wind. 

Tied  side  branches  to  wires 

SOlh 

59.80.63 

29.38.32 

Jioudy,  with  snow. 

as  they  continued  to  elon- 

SIM 

April      1st 

57.74.63 
59.75.62 

32.37.33 
33.42.2P 

Cloudy,  with  fog. 

gate,  stopping  the  weak- 
est  four,  and  the  strong- 

2d 

58.86.54 

26.40.28 

Clear. 

est  at  three  leaves  above 

3d 

^9.90.65 

2-2.39.27 

>< 

the  bunch  ;  syringing  a\*o 

4th 

60.83.63 

30,51.40 

Cloudy. 

attended  to. 

5th 

GO  91.68 

38.53.40 

Jlear. 

6th 

59.92.64 

>9.77.60 

'artially  cloudy. 

7th 

61.93  69 

56.76.59 

Clear,  strong  wind. 

8th 

60.93.68 

47.70.46 

Clear. 

Hamburghs  in  bloorr. 

9th 

31.95.70 

j2.80.43 

u 

10th 

60  86  6f, 

H.60.38 

Cloudy.     . 

ChassHas          " 

llth 

62.93.7] 

33.61.41 

Cloudy,  with  sleet 

Frontignan         " 

12th 

61  96.70 

32.60.43 

jlear. 

Muscats 

13th 

62.97.67 

41.67.42 

Clear. 

14th 

63.86.65 

36.42.41 

Hazy,  heavy  sno\\ 

Water    over-head   withheld 

15th 

61.78.64 

32.43.33 

and  wind  at  night 

and   fertilization   assisted 

16th 

60.75.62 

31.36.29 

Storrn  continued. 

by  jerking  the  bunches  in 

17lh 

58.74.61 

30.35.2P 

Storrn  coritim...jcl. 

the  middle  of  the  day  or  a 

18th 

59.85.67 

35.59.38 

Cloudy  morning. 

little  before  noon. 

19th 

60  8?.  70 

J6.58.42 

Clear. 

THE  EARLY  GRAPERY  OR  FORCING  HOUSE.   89 


DATE. 

INSIDE. 

OUTSIDE. 

WEATHER. 

REMARKS. 

April   20th 

62.86.70 

39.57.40 

Showers  till  noon. 

Water  over-head   renewed, 

21sl 

63.90.70 

34.62.44 

Clear. 

but  carefully  on  account 

22d 

61.84.69 

39.56.40 

Cloudy. 

of  danger  from  '-rust." 

23d 

62.87.70 

42.66.45 

Cloudy  till  noon. 

24th 

63.92.67 

36.67.50 

Clear. 

Commenced    to  thin   Ilam- 

25th 

64.95.71 

43.72.56 

it 

burghs 

26th 

62.96.70 

54.85.66 

M 

Do.      Chasselas. 

27th 

64.95.68 

51.72.43 

II 

"        Froiitignans. 

28th 

62  81.64 

40.52.36 

Rain  all  day. 

"        Tokay. 

29th 

a3.82.69 

40.  56.  5«: 

u              *. 

30th 

ol  88.67 

47.74.42 

Cloudy. 

«        Muscat. 

May       1st 

63.87.64 

44.71.50 

Clear. 

2d 
3d 

65.92.67 
63.81.66 

52.79  55 
46.62.44 

Cloudy  afternoon. 
Clear. 

Finished  thinning  and  forked 
over  inside  borders. 

4th 

64.79.70 

41.58  50 

Cloudy  &  showers. 

5tti 

65.88.65 

41.69.55, 

r'artially  cloudy. 

6th 

64.91.66 

43.55.3tf 

Clear. 

7th 

3  i.  92.  67 

32.64.44 

" 

Grapes  begining  to  "stone." 

8th 

64.9:>.66 

41.68.49 

<( 

9th 

66.88.67 

40.74  59 

" 

10th 

65.89.6fe 

54.81.59 

'artially  cloudy. 

llth 

63.90.65 

35.81  60 

Hazy. 

12th 

06.  95.  67 

58.82.54 

Clear. 

13th 

65.92.61 

58.77.61 

toggy  morning. 

14th 

53.88.67 

57.79  59 

'"og,  with  showers. 

15th 

61.90.65 

53.84.58 

Clear. 

16th 
17th 

64.97.68 
65.90.65 

58.84.59 
53.73.58 

toggy  morning 
''og  wjth  showers 

18th 

64.87.70 

58.81.59 

Foggy. 

19th 

63.91.67 

57-81.56 

Clear. 

20th 

i5.87.6L 

56.78.58 

" 

21st 

o4.86.67 

56.75.57 

Cloudy 

22d 

(53.91.65 

»6.  78.58 

Clear. 

23d 

65.92.66 

54.77.54 

« 

24th 

62-33.65 

53.74.54 

u 

25th 

63-84.70 

33-70.58 

Cloudy. 

Water     over-  head      discon- 

26th 

65-91.66 

56.79.58 

Clear. 

tinued. 

27th 

64-93.65 

59-79.56 

" 

Commenced  to  open  lower 

28th 

66-95.70 

59.84.66 

" 

ventilators. 

19th 

64-93.65 

54.73.56 

(  c 

30th 

65-90.67 

57-71.56 

Cloudy. 

Grizzly    Frontignan    begin 

31  si 

66-91.71 

56.72.58 

Clear. 

to  color. 

June       1st 

64.90.68 

47-72.48 

" 

Chasselas  begin  last  swell- 

3d 

66.90.61 

48-82.54 

1C 

ing. 

3d 

67.91.68 

57-81.62 

" 

Water  entirely  discontinued. 

4th 

66.92.71 

59-82.6.5 

Cl 

5th 

fi8.61.69 

61-89  66 

;c 

etii 

67.92.68 

61-82.63 

« 

Hamburghs  begin  to  color. 

7th 

66.90.67 

51-78.  66 

Cloudy  afternoon. 

8th 

68.92.66 

62-85.64 

Vfisiy  till  noon. 

9th 

65.90  64 

60-72.57 

Clear. 

10th 

68.91.70 

61-84.64 

" 

Muscats  begin  to  color. 

llth 

69.92.69 

64-88.63 

lazy. 

12th 

66.93.66 

61.83.64 

Thunder  Storm. 

13th 

69.94.65 

64.86.63 

Showery. 

14th 

68.93.67 

32.88.60 

?hundei  showers. 

15th 

67.92.68 

61.86.66 

Showery. 

16th 

56.91.64 

65.81.60 

Jlear. 

17th 

64.92.63 

60.72.58 

Hazy. 

18th 

65.92.71 

37.91.70 

Clear. 

90 


TUB    GKAPK. 


DATB 

INSIDE. 

OUTSIDE. 

WEATHER. 

RKMABKS. 

June     19th 

69.94.69 

6S.96.6b 

Clear. 

20th 
21sl 

72.94.73 
73.93.65 

71.95.74 
71.90.61 

Cloudy  afternoon. 

Cut  ChasselasFontainebleauf 
ripe. 

22d 

71.92.64 

68.72.6! 

u            ti 

23d 
24th 

65.87.63 
66.90.6J> 

60.73.61 
57.81.60 

Cloudy  with  rain. 
Clear. 

Cut  White  Frontignaa. 
Cut  Grizzly  Frontignan. 

25th 

65.91.62 

58.77.58 

c. 

26th 
27th 

67.93.69 
70.97.69 

59.82.68 
65.98.66 

Partially  cloudy. 
Thunder  showers. 

Cut  Hamburghs. 

28th 

68.91.73 

68.85.72 

Cut  Cannon  Hall  Muscat. 

29th 

71.93.68 

68.86.65 

Clear. 

Cut  Muscat  of  Alexandria. 

30th 

64.87.71 

58.81.70 

Cloudy  with  rain. 

After  this  time  the  house  was  kept  open  at  all  times,  excepting  during  very 
strong  winds,  or  severe  storm,  and  an  occasional  soaking  of  water  was  given  over 
the  Leaves  to  destroy  insects  and  keep  up  a  healthy  action. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
POT   CULTURE. 

THE  growing  and  fruiting  of  the  grape-vine  in  pots  or 
tubs  is,  in  some  parts  of  Europe,  very  much  practised  at 
the  present  day,  and  some  of  our  best  practical  men  in  this 
country  are  in  favor  of  its  being  more  generally  adopted. 

As  this  mode  requires  the  most  vigilant  care,  we  must 
consider  the  annual  amount  of  labor  incurred  in  watering, 
potting,  and  other  attention  which  is  required,  besides  the 
expense  of  pots  or  tubs  in  which  to  grow  the  plants,  and 
also  the  continual  raising  of  fresh  stock.  On  the  other,  or 
credit  side,  there  is  the  difference  with  regard  to  accom- 
modation and  conveniences  ;  pot  culture  takes  up  no  space 
outside  the  house ;  the  expense  of  outer  borders,  covering, 
&c.,  is  avoided ;  but  there  is  a  yearly  item  in  prepared 
compost  which  only  amounts  to  about  the  sum  that  top- 
dressings  would  require — a  manure-water  tank,  or  cistern, 
is  absolutely  necessary  to  supply  the  vines  with  nourish- 
ment, while  growing  freely ;  but  this  is  a  thing  that  ought 
to  be  on  every  place  that  pretends  to  good  gardening.  As 
to  house-room,  what  will  produce  a  given  quantity  of  fruit 
by  the  usual  mode,  will  do  the  same  in  pot  culture ;  and 
all  things  considered,  if  sufficient  care  and  attention  can 
be  relied  on  at  all  times,  the  latter  mode  has  the  prefer- 
ence ;  still  it  ought  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that  without  all 
this,  a  poor  sample  of  watery  fruit  will  be  the  only  reward, 
while  with  it,  fine  grapes,  of  good  quality,  can  be  realized ; 
and,  considering  the  contingencies,  it  is  only  advisable  to 
adopt  this  system  as  a  first  early  crop. 

(91) 


92  THE   GRAPE. 

If  we  consider  that  each  fruiting  plant  in  this  case  will 
occupy  one  square  yard,  which  is  about  an  average,  a 
house  twelve  feet  wide  will  accommodate  three  rows,  and 
admit  room  for  a  pathway ;  and  allowing  forty  feet  as  the 
length,  there  will  be  house-room  for  thirty-nine  vines, 
upon  each  of  which  may  be  ripened  six  to  seven  pounds 
of  grapes,  which  will  make  the  whole  crop  from  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty  to  two  hundred  and  seventy  pounds 
weight.  If  the  vines  were  planted  out  three  feet  apart, 
in  the  usual  way,  the  same  house  would  contain  thirteen 
plants  to  the  roof,  and  the  same  number  on  the  back  wall ; 
but  as  the  latter  will  only  hold  good  for  two  or  three 
years,  on  account  of  shade,  or  may  have  been  used  up  by 
previous  cropping,  they  can  only  be  put  down  as  a 
small  set-off  against  the  advantages  on  the  other  side. 
These  thirteen  vines,  if  forced  equally  early,  cannot  be 
expected  to  produce  more  than  an  average  of  fifteen 
pounds,  which  will  give  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
five  pounds.  If  the  above  calculations  be  correct — and  we 
judge  from  practical  experience  in  the  matter — the  weight 
of  produce  is  in  favor  of  pot  culture  ;  but  as  we  would  not 
mislead,  it  is  necessary  to  repeat,  that  the  same  quality  is 
not  to  be  obtained  without  skill,  and  the  most  careful 
attention. 

There  may  appear  to  be  an  objection  to  pot  culture, 
from  the  general  understanding,  that  when  the  roots  of  a 
grape-vine  are  confined  in  so  small  a  space,  it  will  only 
bear  one  remunerative  crop,  and  is  afterwards  useless; 
also,  that  a  preparatory  house  will  be  needed  for  succession 
plants  ;  thus  keeping  occupied  two  compartments.  As  to 
the  first,  it  is  an  error  to  suppose  that  a  second,  or  even  a 
third  fruiting,  may  not^be  obtained  from  the  same  plants, 
if  the  roots  are  allowed  to  pass  through  the  bottoms  of  the 
pots  into  the  base  beneath,  which  ought  to  be  made  suita- 


POT   CULTURE.  93 

ble  and  fertile  for  the  purpose.  Under  these  circumstan- 
ces, and  with  the  addition  of  liquid  manure,  there  will  be 
enough  organized  matter  stored  up  for  another  season  to 
maintain  and  develop  all  the  next  year's  requirements. 
But  allowing  that  only  one  fruiting  could  be  realized,  it  is 
presumed  that  the  crop  would  be  ripe  by  the  middle  of 
May  at  the  latest,  and  either  all  cut,  or  fit  for  removal  to 
another  and  cooler  apartment;  and  as  in  such  case  the 
plants  would  not  be  wanted  again,  the  roots  that  may  have 
gone  into  the  base  below  might  be  cut  off,  without  any 
detriment  to  the  quality  of  the  fruit.  The  young  succes- 
sion plants  previous  to  this  will  have  been  only  in  a  state 
of  propagation,  and  have  occupied  no  more  space  or  head- 
room than  a  tolerably  deep  hot-bed  frame  would  furnish  ; 
so  that,  after  the  flooring  of  the  house  is  again  forked  over, 
and  a  quantity  more  manure  added,  this  young  stock  may 
be  brought  in,  and  established  in  their  permanent  position, 
Thus  will  one  house,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  pit,  or 
hot-bed,  answer  all  purposes,  and  will  be  kept  constantly 
at  work. 

Vines  for  this  purpose  may  be  propagated  from  "  eyes  " 
in  the  usual  way,  by  coiling,  and  by  layers — (see  Propaga- 
tion). When  eyes  are  used,  the  young  plants,  after  being 
well  rooted,  ought  to  be  encouraged  by  plenty  of  pot  room, 
and  a  fine  genial,  growing  temperature  maintained,  similar 
to  that  used  for  fruiting.  The  most  suitable  compost  is 
the  peeling,  or  upper  sward  of  a  good  pasture,  which  has 
laid  together  until  the  grass  is  dead,  but  not  further  de- 
composed. Chop  this  into  small  pieces  with  the  spade, 
add  an  equal  quantity  of  well  decomposed  barn-yard  ma- 
nure, and  if  there  are  any  clean  broken  bones  to  be  had, 
or,  what  is  the  next  best  substitute,  lime-rubbish,  mix  a 
quantity,  say  one-eighth  part,  and  as  much  or  more  of 
charcoal  lumps.  This  furnishes  an  open,  porous,  yet  rich 


94  THE   GRAPE. 

material,  in  which  the  roots  will  ramify  very  freely.  At 
the  first  move  from  the  striking-pot  an  ordinarily  fertile 
soil  is  best,  and  the  pot  may  be  a  quart  in  measure.  As 
the  young  plant  continues  to  progress,  and  has  grown  a 
foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  height,  it  will  be  safe  to  remove 
into  one  of  a  gallon  size,  using  the  prepared  compost,  and 
make  sure  of  efficient  drainage  by  throwing  over  the  bot- 
tom a  couple  of  inches  of  crocks,  or,  still  better,  pieces  of 
charcoal ;  over  this  put  a  portion  of  the  roughest  of  the 
compost,  and  fill  in  to  near  the  top  with  the  finer  part,  after 
having  placed  the  plant  in  its  proper  place  and  position. 
Be  careful  not  to  break  the  ball  of  earth,  during  removal, 
when  the  pot  is  turned  upside  down,  which  may  be  pre- 
vented by  giving  the  upper  edge  a  smart  rap  on  any  solid 
substance  near  at  hand,  and  keeping  the  fingers  over  the 
under  surface,  so  as  to  receive  the  whole  as  it  becomes 
liberated.  After  potting,  give  a  good  watering,  and  as  the 
stems  continue  to  elongate,  tie  them  up  carefully  to  stakes, 
until  they  have  attained  the  height  of  seven  feet,  when 
the  tops  may  be  pinched  off.  Throughout  the  season  the 
uppermost  eyes  will  continue  to  push  fresh  growth,  which 
ought  to  be  stopped,  each  time,  one  leaf  above  the  pre- 
vious operation.  The  object  of  this  is  to  prevent  the 
young  vines  from  extending  so  much  growth  as  would 
cause  the  lower  leaves  to  be  shaded,  and  consequently  not 
able  to  elaborate  the  juices  sufficiently  to  produce  matured 
buds  in  the  axils,  the  result  of  which  is,  a  deficiency  in  the 
formation  of  the  embryo  fruit.  If  the  plants  are  kept  in  a 
brisk  and  moist  heat,  and  properly  attended  to  by  syring- 
ing and  watering  of  the  roots,.they  will  progress  fast,  and 
by  the  middle  of  July  will  be  ready  to  be  placed  in  the 
fruiting-pots,  which  ought  to  be  from  three  to  four  gallons, 
according  to  the  luxuriance  of  the  vine,  or  robustness  of 
the  variety.  The  same  process  as  to  potting  must  be 


POT   CULTUKE.  95 

gone  through  at  this  as  at  the  last  remove,  and  the  same 
material  used,  and  particular  care  should  be  taken  that  no 
worms,  or  the  larvae  of  beetles  be  in  the  compost.  It  is  a 
good  plan  to  use  a  little  caustic  powdered  lime  through 
the  mass,  a  short  time  previous  to  using,  which  is  sure  to 
have  the  desired  effect,  and  is  likewise  beneficial  to  the 
plant.  Throughout  the  whole  summer  the  same  treatment, 
with  regard  to  heat,  moisture,  &c.,  that  is  suitable  for  planted- 
out  vines  will  be  right  for  those  in  pots ;  and  if  the  best 
management  has  been  observed,  at  the  end  of  the  growing 
season,  the  canes  will  be  well  matured,  correspondingly 
thick,  and  in  a  fit  state  for  fruiting  the  next  year.  In  the 
fall  they  may  be  cut  back,  the  strongest  to  three  feet,  and 
the  weaker  ones  to  two  feet  six  inches  above  the  pot,  and 
if  there  be  a  portion  that  are  not  strong  enough  to  bear 
fruit,  it  is  best  to  head  them  back  to  the  lowest  good  bud 
at  the  same  time.  These  latter,  in  the  spring  following, 
may  be  removed  out  of  the  pots,  and  the  soil  shaken  from 
the  roots,  which  ought  to  be  somewhat  shortened  in,  and 
the  plant  again  replaced,  using  fresh  compost  of  the  same 
kind,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  quantity  of  good,  fresh 
earth,  but  only  sufficient  of  this  to  merely  cover  the  roots, 
and  keep  the  richer  material  from  coming  in  close  contact 
until  the  young  fibres  are  emitted.  Young,  healthy  roots 
•will  push  into  and  luxuriate  in  a  base  that  would  destroy 
those  which  are  mutilated ;  hence  the  caution. 

When  the  coiling  method  is  adopted  (see  Propagation, 
page  133),  the  fruiting-sized  pot  may  be  used  at  once, 
and  the  after  treatment  will  be  the  same  as  for  the  others. 
This  is  the  best  method  for  obtaining  strong  vines  for  pot 
culture  in  the  least  possible  time,  and  when  there  is  a 
surplus  supply  of  canes  from  other  houses  at  pruning  time, 
they  may  be  used  to  advantage  for  this  purpose. 

A  pot-vine,  if  properly  managed,  is  certainly  a  pleasing 


THE    Git  APE. 


and  very  pretty  object,  but  much  depends  upon  the  nicety 
of  training.  To  gain  this  advantage,  the  plant  ought  not 
to  be  longer  than  is  actually  necessary,  and  the  fruiting 
branches  should  be  as  near  the  surface  of  the  pot  as  is 
consistent  with  securing  good  plump  buds  to  start  from, 
which  can  be  mostly  gained  with  a  cane  of  two  feet  six 
inches  to  three  feet  long.  After  it  is  seen  which  shoots 
will  produce  the  best  bunches,  choose  six  or  seven  which 
are  nearly  equidistant  from  each  other,  between  the  top 
and  bottom,  and  as  they  elongate  tie  them 
out  horizontally,  diverging  on  al>  sides 
from  the  stem,  which  may  be  very  neat- 
ly done  by  fixing  a  wire  trellis,  as  seen 
in  fig.  15,  inside  the  pot.  This  is  also  ser- 
viceable to  suspend  the  shoulders  of  the 
bunches  to,  and  if  not  made  of  too  heavy 
material,  is  scarcely  visible,  being  decidedly 
preferable  to  a  display  of  wooden  supports. 
It  should,  however,  be  put  over  the  plant 
before  much  growth  has  progressed,  or  there  — 
is  danger  of  breaking  the  young  shoots.  Fig.  is. 

When  the  plants  are  to  be  fruited  more  than  one  season, 
the  double  spur  method,  page  lit,  is  best,  as  it  gives  a 
greater  choice  of  good  buds, — a  matter  of  some  conse- 
quence when  the  wood  is  not  over  strong,  and  under  these 
circumstances  the  bearing  shoots  may  be  cut  clean  away 
so  soon  as  the  fruit  is  cut,  which  admits  the  light  and  sun 
to  the  remaining  leaves  on  the  maiden  spurs,  thereby 
enabling  them  to  have  full  scope,  and  uninterrupted  free- 
dom during  the  after  part  of  the  summer.  Immediately 
after  the  leaves  are  fallen  is  the  best  time  to  prune,  and 
at  the  same  time,  the  roots  that  have  gone  into  the  soil 
below  may  be  cut  away,  the  pots  cleaned,  and  the  vines 
washed  over  with  the  mixture,  page  65.  Let  all  now  go 


POT   CULTURE.  97 

quietly  to  rest  for  a  time  by  keeping  a  low  temperature 
with  plenty  of  air  night  and  day,  and  only  giving  enough 
water  to  prevent  the  roots  and  branches  from  shrivelling. 
Two  or  three  weeks  before  commencing  afresh,  the  plants 
ought  to  be  carefully  turned  out  of  the  pots  without  dis- 
turbing the  balls,  the  roots  examined,  and  any  decayed 
portions  cut  clean  off;  at  the  same  time  take  away  a 
portion  of  the  outer  soil,  and  after  putting  a  good  quantity 
of  drainage  into  each  clean  pot,  again  place  the  plant  as 
before,  filling  in  with  some  of  the  before-mentioned  com- 
post. Before  they  are  again  placed  in  their  permanent 
situation,  let  the  under  base  be  forked  over,  and  some 
more  decomposed  barn-yard  manure  added. 

When  growth  is  progressing  freely,  at  all  times,  from 
the  showing  of  the  fruit  until  it  is  ripe,  clear  liquid  manure 
ought  to  be  applied;  on  this,  in  a  great  measure,  depends 
success,  or  the  best  of  quality.  Each  third  or  fourth  supply 
of  water  should  be,  either  diluted  drainage  from  the  dung- 
hill, or  guano  dissolved,  in  the  quantity  of  one  ounce  to 
the  gallon,  and  if  these  two  are  alternated  it  is  still  better. 
The  remainder  of  the  treatment  required  is  the  same  as 
for  other  culture,  and  if  the  above  directions  are  observed, 
there  is  no  fear  of  failure. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
THE    RETARDING^   HOUSE. 

THE  object  of  the  Retarding  House  is  the  reverse  of 
the  Early  Grapery.  In  the  latter  we  wish  to  forward  as 
much  as  possible  the  ripening  of  the  fruit,  while  in  the 
former,  the  intention  is  to  retard  it  so  far  as  can  be  done. 
It  is  therefore  evident  that  the  two  features  require  very 
different  management ;  in  fact,  in  one,  the  process  really 
and  truly  speaking,  if  judiciously  applied,  gives  to  the 
vine  the  requirement  of  its  own  or  original  constitution, 
by  the  assistance  of  artificial  heat  at  the  time  when  the 
plant  is  best  able  to  be  benefited  by  it,  while  the  other 
has  the  same  applied,  only  to  keep  out  the  frost  at  mid- 
winter, and  to  create  a  dry  atmosphere  when  the  fruit  is 
hanging  ripe,  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  it. 

From  what  has  been  previously  explained,  it  will  be 
readily  seen  that  some  difficulty  must  occur,  when  we  are 
trying  to  carry  out  in  cultivation  anything  that  is  opposed 
to  nature,  or  attempting  to  thwart  her  established  vitality ; 
such  becomes  true  here,  for,  our  intention  is  to  stay  as 
much  as  possible  that  free  and  brisk  action  which  alone 
will  ensure  the  best  results,  notwithstanding  which,  as  we 
have  an  object  in  view,  and  the  demands  of  luxury  must 
be  supplied,  our  skill  is  brought  into  requisition,  and  to  a 
certain  extent  the  difficulty  is  overcome. 

The  general  routine,  in  this  case,  will  be  the  endeavor 
to  keep  back  the  precocity  of  the  fruit  by  all  consistent  means 
—one  of  which  is  to  avoid  the  very  earliest  varieties ;  an- 


THE   RETARDING   HOUSE.  99 

other,  securing  the  right  aspect  of  the  house,  which  is  fully 
explained,  page  37.  It  is  also  essentially  requisite  to  give 
free  ventilation,  both  day  and  night,  excepting  in  severe 
weather,  during  the  whole  of  the  spring  months,  by  which 
a  cool  temperature  may  be  maintained,  and  the  early  flow 
of  the  sap  prevented.  When  it  is  seen  that  the  buds  can 
be  no  longer  kept  from  bursting,  the  house  may  be  closed, 
but  as  it  is  not  advisable  to  raise  so  high  a  temperature  in 
this,  as  in  the  other  successions,  there  ought  not  to  be  so 
much  water  applied,  because,  if  it  be  too  liberally  supplied 
in  this  counteraction  of  the  natural  energy,  there  would 
be  too  much  moisture  absorbed  from  the  atmosphere  by 
the  leaves,  and  from  the  soil  by  the  roots ;  the  consequence 
of  which  would  be  too  great  a  preponderance  of  fluid 
matter,  without  an  equivalent  amount  of  carbonized  and 
solid  material,  and  hence,  a  plethoric  state  of  the  whole 
structure — a  liability  to  disease — want  of  fertility  in  the 
blossoms — a  bad  set  of  inferior  berries — and  consequently, 
poor  quality  of  badly  flavored  fruit.  Water  may,  how- 
ever, be  administered  with  discretion.  According  as  the 
growth  progresses,  as  it  is  more  or  less  active,  or  the 
weather  is  wet  and  cold,  or  dry  and  hot,  so  let  the  water 
be  given  or  withheld.  When  the  leaves  are  fully  develop- 
ed, the  shoots  stopped,  and  the  blossoms  expanded,  syring- 
ing may  be  entirely  discontinued,  excepting  occasionally  on 
bright  mornings,  for,  unless  due  caution  be  exercised 
during  the  remainder  of  the  growing  season,  there  is  danger 
of  mildew.  This  troublesome  guest  is  more  likely  to 
attack  the  Retarding  House  than  any  other,  and  conse- 
quently, greater  vigilance  is  necessary.  It  is  most  gener- 
ally to  be  apprehended  while  the  fruit  is  swelling,  and 
before  the  carbonaceous  matter  has  become  so  far  concen- 
trated as  to  be  relieved  from  the  greater  overplus  of 
acidity;  and  as  the  secretions  of  the  plants  in  this  house 


100  THE   GRAPE. 

are  in  such  a  state,  during  the  months  of  July  and  August, 
when  the  sporules  of  the  fungus  are  most  active,  it  is  very 
necessary  to  keep  careful  watch,  and  avoid  as  much  as 
possible  all  sudden  transitions  of  temperature;  do  not 
allow  the  house  to  be  closed  until  it  becomes  hot,  but 
admit  air  freely  whenever  required;  be  wary  of  bottom 
drafts,  keep  the  lower  ventilators  closed  in  damp  weather, 
and  if  such  continues  for  any  length  of  time  with  a  humid 
atmosphere,  a  little  artificial  heat  may  be  applied  for  the 
time  being,  with  the  upper  ventilators  opened,  which  will 
keep  down  the  thermometer,  dry  the  air,  and  stay  the 
progress  of  the  mildew  if  it  be  present,  or  prevent  its 
germination  if  not  so.  Sulphur  aught  to  be  liberally 
strewed  over  the  floor  for  the  same  purpose,  and  if  a  small 
quantity  be  thrown  on  the  flue,  avoiding  the  hottest  end,  or 
on  any  part  of  the  hot  water  pipes,  as  the  case  may  be, 
there  need  not  be  any  fear  of  its  ravages  extending.  An- 
other mischief  to  be  expected  at  times  to  this  crop  is, 
shrivel  and  shanking,  the  best  means  of  avoiding  which  is 
to  continue  the  same  regularity  of  management  that  has 
been  observed  through  the  whole  progress,  and  until  the 
fruit  is  colored ;  after  this  period  there  is  no  danger,  and 
the  house  may  afterwards  be  left  open  constantly,  or  par- 
tially, or  entirely  closed,  as  the  weather  may  be  wet  or 
frosty.  A  portion  of  the  grapes  in  this  house  will  have  to 
remain  on  the  vines  during  the  winter,  and  must  be  kept 
quite  dry  and  free  from  frost,  which  makes  it  necessary  to 
use  a  trifle  of  fire-heat  at  times,  just  enough,  but  not  more 
than,  to  answer  the  purpose ;  and  if  the  berries  were  not 
well  thinned  at  the  proper  time,  they  ought  to  be  further 
reduced  in  number  now,  so  that  they  may  hang  loosely, 
thereby  preventing  close  contact,  and  admitting  a  free 
circulation  around  each. 

As  the  fruit  often  remains  beyond  the  usual  time  of 


THE   RETARDING   HOUSE.  101 

pruning,  it  is  well  not  to  make  a  general  rule  of  cutting 
all  at  once,  or  leaving  the  vines  until  the  crop  is  cleared, 
but  do  it  so  soon  as  the  leaves  are  turned  yellow,  or  fallen  ; 
and  the  whole  of  the  fruit  is  gathered  on  each  separate 
plant,  which  will  enable  the  operator  to  accomplish  a  good 
part  of  this  work  sooner,  and  give  a  portion  gf;  the/  stock, 
a  better  chance  of  the  same  action  that  w,e  plviya  find  o'f,> 
service,  by  a  periodical  and  judicious  'pruning  ^p,  plj^pther  , 
instances.  This  is  more  strictly  applicable,  WneW  it&e 
spur  method  is  adopted,  but  is  nevertheless  to  be  recom- 
mended for  the  long  rod,  as  the  latter  offers  greater  facili- 
ties than  the  former,  because  there  is  a  less  disposition  to 
break  or  burst  the  buds,  with  a  young  and  strong  cane  in 
early  spring,  than  with  spurs ;  and  as  the  whole  of  the 
previous  bearing  shoot  is  taken  away,  there  is  only  one 
cut  exposed  to  the  danger  of  bleeding ;  a  subject  of  some 
importance,  if  the  fruit  has  been  kept  on  the  vine  until 
late.  In  such  case,  immediately  on  removing  the  branch, 
the  severed  surface  should  be  covered  over  with  a  coating 
of  grafting  wax,  white  lead,  or,  what  is  still  better,  finely 
powdered  oyster-shells  and  cheese,  worked  together  into  a 
thick  cement,  -and  a  portion  rubbed  well  into  the  exposed 
pores.  This,  we  repeat,  ought  to  be  done  immediately 
after  pruning,  and  all  danger  of  bleeding  will  be  avoided. 
It  is  of  little  use  to  attempt  to  stop  the  sap  after  it  has 
commenced  to  flow,  for  there  is  a  propelling  power  in  the 
action  of  a  plant  at  this  time  that  is  truly  wonderful ;  and 
although  there  is  not  so  much  injury  from  the  loss  of  a 
portion  of  the  fluid  as  some  persons  would  have  us  believe, 
still  it  is  better  to  prevent  the  waste,  for  it  certainly  doelS 
check,  to  some  extent,  the  full  burst  of  nature,  as  we  have 
often  satisfactorily  proved. 

It  may  be  thought,  from  the  preceding  caution,  and 
seeming  uncertainty,  that  the  Retarding  House  ought  to  be 


102  THE   GRAPE. 

abandoned ;  so  it  ought,  were  it  not  for  the  desirableness 
of  having  ripe  grapes  at  mid-winter,  and  before  the  earliest 
house  can  be  made  to  produce  them  ;  and  it  certainly  is, 
these  advantages  considered,  worth  a  little  trouble  and 
'extra  care. 

- ,  In  taking  a  review  of  the  various  succession  crops  here- 
tofore treated  \?rt,  we  may  now  calculate  how  long  it  is 
.pG^sibl.c  £9  have,  ripe  grapes  fresh  from  the  vine.  The 
Firs i*  Early  caa  be  had  from  the  beginning  of  May,  and 
will  continue  to  the  middle  of  June,  when  the  Second 
Early  will  be  ready,  and  give  a  supply  until  the  middle  of 
August.  The  Cold  Grapery  now  comes  in,  and  will  furnish 
a  general  quantity  till  the  middle  of  November ;  after  this, 
the  Retarding  House  gives  its  quota  on  to  the  last  of  Feb- 
ruary, which  collectively  leaves  only  two  months  deficient, 
or  without  a  supply ;  and  as  there  are  some  kinds,  as  the 
Muscats,  Frontignans,  and  Chasselas,  that  may  be  pre- 
served by  care,  and  if  it  is  absolutely  required,  even  in 
this  remaining  short  period,  a  far  better  sample  may  be 
furnished  than  is  to  be  had  from  the  finest  quality  of  im- 
ported raisins;  so  that,  where  expense  is  no  object,  and 
the  luxury  is  demanded,  it  may  be  enjoyed  without  inter- 
mission. 

If  the  air  of  the  grapery  be  kept  dry  enough,  some 
grapes  will  remain  good  on  the  vine  until  they  become 
raisins ;  but  it  is  not  convenient  at  all  times  to  leave  them 
so,  and  in  such  case,  those  that  are  to  be  preserved  may 
be  cut  when  they  can  no  longer  be  left  When  they  are 
removed,  the  bunches  ought  to  be  carefully  examined, 
find  all  injured  or  decayed  berries  cut  out,  and  suspended, 
the  reverse  way  to  that  in  which  they  were  grown,  by 
hooked  wires  fixed  to  a  frame-work,  so  that  each  bunch 
and  berry  may  hang  free  from  contact,  and  they  will  re- 
quire to  be  kept  in  a  very  dry  room,  partially  excluded 


THE   RETARDING-  HOUSE.  103 

from  the  light,  and  where  there  is  enough  fire  at  suitable 
times  to  keep  the  temperature  from  40°  to  50°.  A  well- 
planned  fruit-room  is  all  that  is  needed,  and  where  there 
is  not  such  a  convenience,  the  above  hints  may  assist  in 
directing  attention  to  some  other  apartment  about  the 
premises  that  will  answer  the  purpose,  and  enable  the 
lover  of  this  ambrosial  fruit  to  enjoy  to  the  fullest  extent 
this  munificent  gift  of  our  benevolent  Creator. 


CHAPTER   X. 
LIST  OF  VARIETIES. 

To  begin  to  individualize,  or  render  a  plain  exposition 
to  the  uninitiated  in  grape  nomenclature,  is  a  very  difficult 
affair.  As  it  now  stands  before  the  public,  it  is  nothing 
more  than  a  heterogeneous  jumble  of  confusion,  and  the 
search  after  a  thoroughly  practical  understanding  of  the 
matter  requires  more  time,  patience,  and  expense,  than 
even  the  enthusiast  would  be  willing  to  encounter  in  the 
investigation,  if  he  only  knew  beforehand  the  maze  he 
had  to  travel  through.  To  such  an  extent  have  the  various 
synonymes  become  multiplied,  that  the  examination  of 
them  shows  clearly  the  ridiculousness  of  the  number,  and 
the  only  way  of  extricating  the  subject  from  the  tiresome 
burden  of  incongruity,  is  by  making  use  only  of  a  few  that 
we  know  are  most  familiar  in  the  society  in  which  we  live, 
and  only  introducing  such  kinds  as  are  distinct,  or  worthy 
of  cultivation,  headed  by  the  most  popular  name  by  which 
it  is  known  in  our  midst.  It  would  be  no  difficult  matter 
to  introduce  and  describe  some  hundred  so-called  varieties, 
but  when  they  were  applied  for,  and  obtained,  which  they 
might  be  from  the  various  nurseries  in  our  own  country 
and  Europe,  the  half  of  them  would  prove  to  be  merely 
duplicates, — nay,  we  will  go  further,  and  assert  that  not 
more  than  a  fourth,  from  some  places,  if  thus  sought  after, 
will  be  really  distinct ;  besides,  were  the  expected  variety 
to  be  forthcoming  under  such  circumstances  a  great  por- 
tion are  only  novelties  and  would  lead  to  chagrin  and 

(104) 


LIST   OF   VARIETIES.  105 

vexation  when  they  were  proved.  We  take  in  this  case 
a  utilitarian  view  of  the  subject,  and  would  leave  the 
further  action  open  to  those  of  unlimited  means  and  un- 
controlled enthusiasm  to  go  along  with  their  own  fancy. 
They  cannot  be  better  employed,  and  the  results  of  their 
labors  will  be  of  the  same  national  benefit  as  is  that  of 
the  only  theoretical  and  experimental  farmer;  good  collec- 
tively, at  the  expense  of  the  individual,  and  praiseworthy, 
without  profit,  to  the  searcher  after  progressive  improve- 
ment. It  is  to  the  exertions  of  such  laudable  persons  that 
we  are  indebted  for  much  of  our  knowledge  and  gain,  and 
such  deserve  more  often  than  they  receive  the  gratitude 
of  their  fellow  men  and  a  monument  for  their  patriotism. 
Having  said  thus  much,  it  becomes  our  duty  to  keep  our 
position,  and  give  in  the  first  place  a  general  descriptive 
list  of  the  best  sorts  in  cultivation,  and  select  out  of  the 
same  those  varieties  that  are  adapted  to  the  various  pur- 
poses treated  on. 

BLACK  OR  PURPLE. 

BLACK  HAMBURGH,  (syn.  Hampton  Court  Vine— 
Frankendale.) — Bunches  large,  compact  and  well  shoul- 
dered. Berries  large,  round,  black,  flavor  full  and  sweet. 
The  best  black  grape  grown  for  table  use. 

VICTORIA  HAMBURGH. — Similar  to  the  above  when 
true ;  the  berries  somewhat  larger  and  very  black,  and  the 
bunches  more  tapering. 

WILMOTT'S  HAMBURGH. — Bunches  very  compact,  ber- 
ries large,  very  black,  round,  appearing  (under  good 
culture)  as  if  hammered  on  the  surface ;  a  fine  grape,  but 
nc,t  quite  equal  to  the  first  in  flavor. 

WILMOTT'S  No.  16. — A  seedling  from  Black  Hamburgh, 
and  so  like  it  as  scarcely  to  be  distinguished. 

MILLER'S  BURGUNDY,  (syn.  Miller  Grape.) — Bunches 
5* 


106  THE   GRAPE. 

short  and  close,  berries  roundish  oval,  black,  rather  small, 
covered  with  a  blue  bloom,  flavor  not  good  until  fully 
ripe.  An  early  variety  of  second  rate  quality  for  the 
grapery,  but  suitable  for  out-door  culture.  The  leaves  of 
this  sort  are  pubescent,  hence  its  name  from  the  white 
downy  appearance. 

BLACK  CLUSTER,  (syn.  Black  July) — Bunches  small  and 
clustered  ;  berries  jet  black,  small,  flavor  sprightly  but 
wanting  in  fullness,  one  of  the  very  earliest  kinds,  but  not 
worth  room  in  the  grapery.  The  leaves  of  this  are  free 
of  the  downiness  mentioned  in  the  last. 

WEST'S  ST.  PETERS,  (syn.  Black  Lombardy — Poonah 
— Raisin  des  Carmes.) — Bunches  medium  size,  long,  taper- 
ing, well  shouldered ;  berries  medium  size,  oval,  very 
black,  covered  with  a  blue  bloom,  very  sweet  and  sprightly; 
a  fine  late  sort. 

MITCHELL'S  ST.  PETERS. — Similar  to  the  above,  but  a 
handsomer  bunch  and  berry. 

ZINFINDAL. — Bunches  long,  peculiar  in  form,  being  some- 
times composed  of  two  shoulders,  berries  roundish  oval, 
black,  sweet,  but  tame,  a  good  hardy  sort. 

BLACK  FRONTIGNAN.  (syn.  Black  Constantia — Black 
Frontignac — Muscat  noir  de  Frontignac.) — Bunches  below 
medium  size,  tapering,  small  shouldered ;  berries  not  large, 
round,  black,  musky  and  sweet,  a  good  grape,  but  bad  to 
color,  and  in  some  houses  subject  to  shank. 

BLACK  PRIXCE.  (syn.  Cambridge  Botanic  Garden — 
Alicant.) — Bunches  long,  tapering  and  well  shouldered ; 
berries  a  little  above  medium  size,  oval,  black,  very  sweet 
and  sprightly,  a  first-rate  sort. 

SCHARGE'S  HENLTNG. — Bunches  long,  tapering,  and 
clustered ;  berries  small,  oval,  very  black,  sweet  and  brisk  ; 
pretty  in  form,  and  a  seedling  from  the  Burgundy. 

BLACK  TRIPOLI  (of  Speechley). — Bunches  in  form  like 


LIST   OF   VARIETIES.  107 

Hamburgh,  but  rather  loose ;  berries  large,  black,  flavor 
good ;  useful  as  a  late  grape. 

ESPERIONE.  (syn.  Cumberland  Lodge — Blue  Windsor.) 
— Bunches  large  shouldered  ;  berries  medium  size,  black 
with  fine  bloom ;  pretty,  but  second  rate. 

PRINCE  ALBERT,  (syn.  Royal  Albert.) — Bunches  large, 
heavy  shouldered,  and  tapering;  berries  medium  size, 
round,  black  ;  flesh  solid,  sweet  and  sprightly.  This  is  a 
very  strong  grower,  and  shy  bearer,  except  in  poor  soil, 
otherwise  it  is  a  first-rate  late  sort.  We  are  inclined  to 
think  that  the  Black  Barbarossawill  prove  the  same  as  this. 

BLACK  MOROCCO,  (syn.  Black  Muscadel.) — Bunches  large 
and  heavy  shouldered ;  berries  large,  ovoid,  brownish 
black  when  fully  ripe,  flesh  solid  and  only  second  quality ; 
a  very  late  grape,  and  with  fire-heat  tolerably  good. 

PURPLE  FRONTIGNAN.  (syn.  Purple  Const  antia — Blue 
Frontignan  —  Voilet  Frontignan)  —  Bunches  long  and 
tapering  with  small  shoulders ;  berries  medium  size,  blue 
black,  flavor  slightly  musky,  and  agreeable.  This  grape 
and  the  true  Black  Frontignan  are  so  generally  mixed  up 
in  different  collections,  as  to  frequently  lead  to  disputes 
in  their  individual  identity  ;  our  own  observation  inclines 
to  distinctness  of  the  two  sorts,  the  black  scarcely  ever 
colors  further  than  a  brownish  jet ;  while  the  purple 
assumes  a  true  bluish-black,  even  with  ordinary  culture. 
The  former  has  also  a  stronger  musky  flavor,  and  will 
hang  until  they  become  raisins. 

OLDAKER'S    ST.    PETERS,    (syn.   Black   St.   Peters — 
Black  Palestine) — Bunches  somewhat  like  Hamburgh,  but 
loose,  berries  rather  large,  round,  black  ;  flavor  sweet ;  a 
good  late  grape  but  not  a  very  free  bearer. 
WHITE  AND  AMBER  COLORED. 

CHASSELAS  DE  FONTAINEBLEAU.  (syn.  Chasselas  pre- 
coce — White  Chasselas — Royal  Chasselas — Chasselas  de 


108  THE   GRAPE. 

Bur  Sur  Aube) — Bunches  tapering,  well-shouldered,  me- 
dium size ;  berries  round,  medium  size,  amber-white ; 
flavor  sweet  and  full.  One  of  the  most  reliable  and 
early  of  white  grapes,  and  the  very  best  quality. 

MALVASIA.  (syn.  Grove-end  Sweet  Water — Early 
V/hite  Malvoise) — Bunches  rather  below  medium  size, 
small  shoulders,  tapering ;  berries  greenish-amber,  below 
medium  size,  roundish  oval,  transparent,  very  sweet ;  a 
good  early  kind. 

GOLDEN  CHASSELAS. — Bunches  long  and  tapering ;  ber- 
ries medium  size,  round,  yellowish-amber  color ;  sweet 
and  sprightly.  With  fire  heat  this  is  a  good  grape,  but  in 
the  Cold  Grapery  it  is  often  a  bad  setter,  and  is  at  all 
times  somewhat  uncertain. 

ROYAL  MUSCADINE. — This  grape  is  often  considered  to 
be  the  same  as  Chasselas  Fontainebleau,  although  quite  dis- 
tinct. The  bunch  of  this  variety  is  much  larger,  and  the 
color  more  inclining  to  yellow.  It  is  seldom  seen  true ; 
the  last  named  being  often  substituted  for  it. 

CHASSELAS  MUSQJJE.  (syn.  Muscat  Blanc  Hatif- — Joslyns 
St.  Albans.) — Bunches  medium  size,  tapering ;  berries 
round,  flattened  on  the  end ;  amber-white,  musky,  rich, 
and  very  sweet;  a  free  bearer,  and  one  of  the  finest 
grapes  in  cultivation ;  it  is,  however,  very  liable  to  crack, 
if  not  well  ventilated,  and  more  than  usually  subject  to 
shrivel. 

WHITE  GASCOINE. — Bunches  rather  large,  well-should- 
ered, tapering ;  berries  oval ;  white,  flavor  good.  Subject 
to  crack  sometimes  in  a  damp  house.  A  good  sort. 

VERDELHO.  (syn.  Madeira  Wine  Grape.) — Bunches  ra- 
ther small,  loose ;  berries  medium  size,  oval,  yellowish- 
green,  sweet,  and  pleasant ;  a  good  variety  and  vigorous 
grower,  but  not  a  very  free  bearer. 

WHITE    TOKAY,   (syn.    True    Tokay —  Tokai  Blanc.) — 


LIST   OF    VARIETIES.  109 

Bunches  long  and  compact ;  berries  roundish-oval,  medium 
size,  white,  sweet,  and  pleasant ;  a  fine  sort,  but  subject 
to  shrivel  when  growing  in  a  wet  border. 

WHITE  FRONTIGNAN.  (syn.  White  Constantia — White, 
Frontignac — Muscat  Blanc.) — Bunches  below  medium  size, 
long,  small  shouldered ;  berries  medium  size,  round,  light 
amber,  musky  and  sweet ;  a  fine  early  sort. 

DECON'S  SUPERB.  (  syn.  Sahibce. )  —  Bunches  rather 
large  and  handsome  ;  berries  large,  oval,  amber  color,  ap- 
pearing as  if  frosted  over  the  surface.  This  is  a  splendid 
looking  grape,  but  of  second  quality  ;  and  in  a  cold  house 
often  a  bad  setter. 

WHITE  NICE.  (  syn.  Xeres. )  —  Bunches  very  large,  and 
many  shouldered;  berries  medium  size,  round,  amber- 
white,  sweet,  and  skerry  tasted.  A  fine  sort,  and  occa- 
sionally most  extraordinarily  large.  It  has  been  grown  to 
nineteen  pounds  weight,  but  such  bunches  are  only  ex- 
ceptions. Many  Spaniards  to  whom  we  have  shown  this 
grape,  recognize  it  as  the  one  from  which  sherry  wine  is 
made. 

SYRIAN. — Bunches  very  large,  and  heavy  shouldered ; 
berries  large,  slightly  oval,  white  and  sweet.  If  we  have 
at  the  present  time  any  grape  in  cultivation  which  is  the 
the  one  brought  by  spies  out  of  the  land  of  Canaan,  this  is 
the  most  likely  sort.  It  is  always  large,  and  sometimes 
very  heavy  ;  a  fine  late  kind. 

WHITE  LISBON,  (syn.  White  Hamburgh — White  Portu- 
gal.)— Bunches  sometimes  large  shouldered,  large  and  ra- 
ther loose,  but  when  well  grown  very  handsome  ;  berries 
oval,  white,  large,  solid  ;  flavor  sweet,  but  only  second 
rate.  This  is  the  grape  that  is  imported  from  Europe  in 
jars.  It  is  a  fine  sort  for  the  Retarding  House,  as  it  keeps 
well  and  ripens  late. 

PITMASTON  WHITE  CLUSTER. — Bunches  medium  size, 


110  THE    GRAPE. 

compact ;  berries  round,  white,  medium  size,  sweet,  and 
good  flavored.  A  fine  early  sort  of  the  Chasselas  class. 

SCOTCH  WHITE  CLUSTER. — Very  like  the  above. 

G-ROMIER  DU  CANTAL.  (  syn.  Decandolle?)  —  Bunches 
large,  broad,  heavy  shouldered ;  berries  large,  round,  am- 
ber colored,  blotched  with  purplish  brown,  sweet,  and 
brisk  flavored  ;  very  thin  skinned ;  a  good  sort  for  imme- 
diate use,  but  soon  spoils. 

DE  LA  PALESTINE. — Bunches  much  branched,  and  very 
long,  often  two  feet ;  shoulders  very  numerous  and  long  ; 
berries  below  medium  size,  oval,  amber  colored,  very 
sweet.  A  good  late  fancy  kind,  and  distinct  in  appear- 
ance. 

DUTCH  SWEET  WATER,  (syn.  Pearl  Drop  —  Pareyl 
Druyf.) — Bunches  medium  size,  compact,  and  well-should- 
ered ;  in  form  like  Hamburgh ;  berries  large,  round,  trans- 
parent, white,  very  sweet,  skin  thin.  A  fine  early  sort, 
seldom  seen  true,  the  old  White  Sweet  Water  being  often 
substituted. 

MUSCAT  OF  ALEXANDRIA,  (syn.  White  Muscat — Ma- 
laga.)— Bunches  handsome,  well  formed,  and  large ;  ber- 
ries large,  oval,  amber  colored,  musky,  and  sweet.  Un- 
questionably one  of  the  finest  grapes  in  cultivation,  but 
requires  artificial  heat,  particularly  while  in  bloom. 

CANNON  HALL  MUSCAT. — Very  like  the  above,  but  of 
more  robust  growth,  and  larger  berries  ;  the  bunches  also 
are  generally  more  tapering,  and  the  stamens  six,  occasion- 
ally seven,  in  number. 

MUSCAT  OF  LUNEL. — Like  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria, 
with  smaller  berries. 

CHARLESWORTH  TOKAY.  —  Bunches  large,  long,  and 
well  shouldered;  berries  large,  roundish  oval,  amber- 
white,  rich,  vinous,  and  musky.  This  is  a  good  variety, 
and  sometimes  mistaken  for  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  al- 


LIST   OF   VARIETIES.  Ill 

though  quite  distinct.     The  foliage  of  this  is  more  deeply 
cut,  and  not  reflexed  on  the  edges. 

WHITE  CORINTH. — Bunches  tapering  ;  berries  close  set, 
small,  very  pretty,  and  prolific,  a  fancy  kind. 

RED  AND    TAWNY    COLORED. 

BED  TRAMINER. — Bunches  below  medium  size,  should- 
ered and  tapering;  berries  rather  small,  round,  of  a  rus- 
sety-red  color ;  a  good  sort.  This  is  one  of  the  best  wine 
grapes  of  the  Rhine,  and  suitable  in  some  situations  for  out- 
door culture  in  our  own  climate. 

RED  CHASSELAS.  (syn.  Red  Muscadine — Muscadine 
Rouge.) — Bunches  medium  size,  shouldered ;  berries  me- 
dium size,  round,  sweet,  and  good.  This  variety  is  re- 
markable for  having  the  berries  red  from  the  first,  and 
afterwards  changing  to  a  lighter  shade  when  ripe.  The 
wood  also  is  of  a  reddish  color. 

ROSE  CHASSELAS.  (syn.  Violet  Chasselas.) — Bunches 
below  medium  size,  shouldered ;  berries  below  medium, 
round,  rose  color,  sweet.  A  good  sort. 

AUSTRIAN  MUSCAT. — Bunches  medium  size,  very  com- 
pact ;  berries  closely  set,  roundish-oval,  tawny-red ;  skin 
thin.  This  grape  is  not  unlike  the  Grizzly  Frontignan 
either  in  flavor  or  appearance,  but  is  not  so  good  ;  and  is 
subject  to  crack,  but  hangs  long  after  being  ripe. 

GRIZZLY  FRONTIGNAN.  (syn.  Red  Constantia — Grizzly 
Frontignac — Muscat  Gris.) — Bunches  tapering  with  small 
shoulders,  below  medium  size.  Berries,  medium  size, 
4-ound,  grizzly  red,  musky,  rich  and  sweet.  A  fine  early 
grnpe,  and  hangs  well  after  being  ripe. 

REINE  DE  NICE.  (syn.  Queen  of  Lombard*/. ) — Bunches 
very  large,  tapering,  well-shouldered  and  handsome.  Ber- 
ries large,  oval,  irregular  on  the  surface,  rose  color ;  flesh 
hard  and  sweet.  A  fine  late  grape,  but  sometimes  a  shy 


112  THE    GRAPE. 

bearer  if  spurred  in  too  close.     It  may  be  preserved  as 
long  as  the  imported  "White  Lisbon. 

FLAME-COLORED  TOKAY,  (syn.  Red  Lombardy.) — 
Bunches  very  large,  well-shouldered  and  handsome ; 
berries  large,  close-set,  roundish,  pale  red,  sweet  and 
sprightly.  A  fine  late  grape. 

As  most  persons  will  only  require  to  grow  the  finest 
quality,  and  many  have  but  a  limited  space,  the   above 
list  is  reduced  to  the  best  twenty,  ten,  and  five  (including 
so  far  as  can  be  a  variety  of  color),  as  follows  : — 
COLD   GRAPERY, 

BEST   TWENTY. 

Black  Hamburgh,  White  Gascoine, 

Willmott's  Hamburgh,  White  Frontignan, 

West's  St.  Peters,  White  Nice, 

Black  Prince,  Syrian, 

Black  Frontignan,  PitmastonWhite  Cluster, 

Zinfindal,  De  la  Palestine, 

Bed  Traminer,  Red  Muscadine, 

Rose  Chasselas,  Grizzly  Frontignan, 

Chasselas  Fontainebleau,  Reine  de  Nice, 

Chasselas  Musque,  Royal  Muscadine. 

BEST  TEM. 

Black  Hamburgh,  Chasselas  Fontainebleau, 

West's  St.  Peters,  Syrian, 

Black  Prince,  Zinfindal, 

White  Frontignan,  Reine  de  Nice, 

Grizzly  Frontignan,  Chasselas  Musque. 

BEST   FIVE. 

Black  Hamburgh,  White  Frontignan,          • 

West's  St.  Peters,  Chasselas  Fontainebleau. 

Black  Prince, 

FORCING  HOUSE. 

BEST    TEN. 

Cannon  Hall  Muscat,  Chasselas  Fontainebleau 


LIST   OF   VARIETIES.  113 

Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Grizzly  Frontignau, 

Black  Hamburgh,  White  Frontignan, 

Willmot's  Hamburgh,  Chasselas  Musque, 

Dutch  Sweetwater,  Black  Prince. 

BEST   FIVE. 

Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Grizzly  Frontignan, 

Black  Hamburgh,  Black  Prince. 

Chasselas  Fontainebleau, 

RETARDING  HOUSE. 

BEST  TEN. 

Black  Hamburgh,  White  Lisbon, 

Black  Prince,  Muscat  of  Alexandria, 

West's  St.  Peters,  Willmot's  Hamburgh, 

Prince  Albert,  Syrian, 

Reine  de  Nice,  Flame-colored  Tokay. 

BEST   FIVE. 

Black  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of  Alexandria, 

West's  St.  Peters,  White  Lisbon. 

Reine  de  Nice, 

POT  CULTURE. 

BEST   FIVE. 

Black  Hamburgh,  White  Frontignan, 

Chasselas  Fontainebleau,        Black  Prince. 
Grizzly  Frontignan, 

Where  profit  and  quality  combined  are  the  objects 
in  view,  Black  Hamburgh  and  Chasselas  Fontainebleau  in 
the  Cold  Grapery,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  added  in 
the  Forcing  House,  will  take  precedence;  and  we  may 
here  remark,  that  whatever  care  may  be  taken  in  impreg- 
nating the  Muscats,  where  artificial  heat  is  not  used,  the 
set  will  be  uncertain,  owing  to  a  deficiency  of  heat  and 
clear  weather,  in  some  seasons,  at  blooming  time.  The 


THE   GRAPE. 

whole  class  requires  more  heat  and  a  drier  atmosphere 
than  is  necessary  for  any  other  sort ;  they  nourish  best 
in  countries  which  are  often  too  arid  and  hot  for  the  suc- 
cessful cultivation  of  grapes  generally.  In  southern  Spain, 
and  the  warm  and  dry  climates  of  Lima,  and  similar  locali- 
ties on  the  western  coast  of  South  America,  they  luxuriate 
without  much  care  or  attention,  and  produce  most  abun- 
dant crops  of  the  finest  fruit.  Under  cultivation,  a  dry 
atmosphere  during  the  period  of  rest,  and  likewise  at  the 
time  of  the  blossoms  setting  for  fruit,  is  almost  indispen- 
sably requisite ;  lacking  this  in  the  first  place,  the  embryo 
flowers  do  not  receive  sufficient  concentration,  and  a  defi- 
ciency of  the  same  in  the  latter  instance  when  they  ex- 
pand, they  have  not  power  enough  to  impregnate  healthily. 
By  artificially  fertilizing  with  other  varieties,  or  even  by 
their  own  pollen,  this  enfeebled  condition  is  somewhat  as- 
sisted. Where  the  musky -flavored  grapes  are  preferred,  and 
fire  heat  is  not  to  be  applied,  the  want  may  be  made  up  by 
planting  an  extra  quantity  of  Frontignans  and  Chasselas 
Musque,  which  is  of  the  same  class,  and  one  of  the  finest 
quality — quite  equal  in  this  respect  to  the  Muscats.  All 
of  these  have  the  good  property  of  hanging  long  after 
being  ripe,  and  are  also  early  varieties.  The  Chasselas 
Musque  is  faulty  from  its  liability  to  crack  when  swelling 
for  ripening,  but  a  free  ventilation  at  the  time,  and  a  drier 
atmosphere,  will  considerably  counteract  this  evil,  and 
when  once  ripe,  it  will  continue  good  for  a  long  time. 

To  give  a  long  list  of  native  grapes  would  be  only 
penning  a  useless  array  of  words,  considering  there  are 
so  few  that  are  of  sterling  merit.  Of  late  years  several 
enterprising  cultivators  have  done  something  to  improve 
the  present  quality  by  raising  seedlings,  among  whom  are 
Mr.  Longworth,  of  Cincinnatti,  Dr.  Underbill,  of  Croton 
Point,  and  others ;  but  so  far  there  is  not  much  progress 


LIST  OF  VARIETIES.  115 

to  be  reported.  Two  of  the  best  we  have  at  present  are 
Isabella  and  Catawba,  both  of  which  are  only  natural 
seedlings ;  the  former  from  the  species  Labrusca,  and 
the  latter,  which  is  the  famous  Wine  Grape  of  the  West, 
most  likely  an  accidental  cross  between  Labrusca  and 
Vulpina.  What  a  wide  field  is  there  here  for  experiment. 
If  we  have  advanced  no  further  than  what  nature  has 
done  for  us,  surely  we  are  only  on  the  first  step  towards 
that  perfection  which  the  energy  of  the  country  can  ac- 
complish. The  necessity  of  a  thing  has  only  to  be  seen, 
when  ingenuity  is  set  to  work  to  bring  about  the  desired- 
ultimatum;  and  now  we  see  this  necessity,  there  is  no 
doubt  but  ere  long  we  shall  have  as  great  a  variety  with 
good  quality  for  all  purposes  in  the  indigenous  kinds,  as 
are  at  present  found  in  the  foreign.  This  is  no  over- 
stretched notion,  and  we  are  confident  that  it  both  can  and 
will  be  eventually  accomplished.  The  American  Pomolo- 
gical  Society  at  their  last  meeting  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  only  sorts  worthy  of  being  considered  best  were 
Isabella,  Catawba,  and  Diana,  with  a  recommendation 
for  further  trial  of  the  Concord.  That  meeting  contained 
the  best  knowledge  throughout  the  country,  and  our  own 
opinion  is  in  strict  accordance  with  their  decision  ;  conse- 
quently it  may  be  better  to  let  this  short  notice  serve  for 
the  present,  with  the  hope  that  the  desirable  addenda  will 
be  forthcoming  hereafter;  and  for  this  reason  there  is  a 
chapter  in  its  proper  place  on  the  raising  of  new  kinds. 

As  the  Scuppernong  class  is  found  to  flourish  the  best 
in  the  Southern  States,  the  few  varieties  contained  in  it 
may  be  added  for  that  region  ;  but  these,  like  all  the  rest, 
are  capable  of  great  improvement ;  and  it  is  very  likely 
that  if  the  best  varieties  of  California  and  southern  Texas 
be  crossed  upon  them,  a  fine  race  would  be  obtained. 


CHAPTER   XI. 
PRUNING  AND  TRAINING 

THERE  are  various  methods  of  pruning  and  training  the 
grape-vine,  and  each  method  has  had  its  supporters.  Good 
crops  also  have  been  produced  by  many  of  them,  under 
skilful  hands,  and  no  doubt  will  continue  to  be.  The  fact 
is,  the  grape-vine  is  so  productive,  and  fruits  so  freely, 
even  with  very  ordinary  treatment,  that  bad  indeed  must 
be  the  case  when  it  ceases  to  jield  its  luscious  sweets. 
Yet  while  so  submissive  under  ill  usage,  and  grateful,  as  it 
were,  for  a  common  existence,  like  other  creatures  of  na- 
ture's higher  organization,  its  expansive  powers  will  become 
contracted,  and  the  tractable  disposition  rendered  stubborn, 
by  long  continued  abuse ;  in  which  case,  the  quality  of  the 
fruit  is  deteriorated,  the  bunches  are  small,  or  the  flavor 
inferior ;  and  as  pruning  has  something  to  do  with  this, 
particularly  the  small  bunches,  it  may  be  well  to  explain 
the  different  modes  that  are  practised,  and  state  the  va- 
rious results  obtained  by  them. 

Although  it  is  best  to  allow  the  grape-vine,  like  all  other 
fruits,  to  judiciously  and  periodically  extend  the  superfi- 
cial surface  of  the  leaves  and  branches,  our  arrangements 
and  conveniences  do  not  always  admit  of  this  desirable 
consummation  being  carried  out.  Such  being  the  case,  it 
behooves  us,  under  the  circumstances,  not  to  distort  nature 
any  more  than  we  can  avoid.  In  accordance  with  these 
views,  first,  is  mentioned  the  plan-  we  generally  adopt. 

Supposing  that  we  have  got  a  cane  of  the  first  summer's 
growth,  cut  it  back,  in  length  according  to  thickness ; 
if  very  strong — say  six  feet,  or  only  middling  so,  to  five, 

(116) 


PRUNING  AND  TRAINING.  117 

or  even  four  feet ;  next  commence  at  the  top,  leave  three 
eyes,  the  upper  one  for  the  future  leader,  and  the  two 
others  for  the  top  pair  of  branches ;  cut  out  the  next  two, 
leave  the  two  beneath,  and  continue  on  so  to  within 
eighteen  inches  of  the  soil,  below  which  remove  all  to  the 
bottom,  as  there  is  no  use  in  having  any  fruit  lower  down. 
During  the  next  summer  these  eyes  will,  if  well  attended 
to,  form  side  spurs,  which  in  their  turn  will  have  to  be  cut 
back  to  two,  three,  or  even  four  buds,  as  they  may  be 
plump,  or  well  developed.  Now,  when  these  buds  begin 
to  grow,  we  ought  to  have  a  shoot  from  each  of  them,  and 
as  only  one  bunch  ought  to  be  allowed  to  remain  on  each 
base,  the  other  shoots  will  appear  so  far  superfluous.  Re- 
tain the  one  at  the  base,  or  nearest  to  the  main  cane,  and 
likewise  that  one  above  it  which  shows  the  best  bunch ; 
rub  off  the  others,  and  pinch  out  the  fruit  from  the  lower, 
and  also  all,  excepting  the  best  formed  bunch  on  the  upper 
one.  As  they  progress  in  growth,  take  out  the  top  of  that 
which  has  fruit  on,  three  or  four  leaves  above  the  bunch, 
and  let  the  other  extend  until  it  has  unfolded  seven  or 
eight  leaves ;  then  stop  it.  Bring  the  bearing  branches 
down,  nearly  horizontal,  to  the  upright  cane,  and  tie  them 
to  the  side-wires ;  train  the  others  at  an  oblique  angle,  and 
tie  them  likewise.  They  will  now  appear  as  seen  in  Fig. 
16.  a  is  the  base  shoot,  and  b  the  fruiting  one.  As  both 
continue  to  push  forth  fresh  growth  from  Fig.  ie. 

time  to  time  through  the  summer,  nip  out 
to  one  leaf  above  where  last  stopped- 
After  the  fruit  is  cut,  and  the  wood  be- 
comes ripe,  say  two  or  three  weeks  before 
the  leaves  fall,  go  over  and  cut  (b)  clean 
away  to  the  base  of  (a),  which  leaves  the 
spurs  for  fruiting  the  next  year  as  near  to 
the  main  cane  as  if  the  close  cut  method 


118  THE   GRAPE. 

had  been  adopted,  with  the  advantage  of  having  spurs 
which  have  not  been  burdened  with  fruit,  and  also  the 
probability  of  future  finer  bunches,  for  the  most  prominent 
and  well-formed  buds  always  bring  the  best  shaped  and 
largest  clusters,  and  this  action  gives  a  better  chance  of 
obtaining  such.  There  is  no  fear  of  not  being  able  to  get 
shoots  from  the  base,  if  properly  managed;  for,  in  most 
cases,  adventitious  buds,  and  generally  more  than  will  be 
wanted,  are  developed,  and  have  to  be  rubbed  oft'.  When 
these  side  spurs  have  accumulated,  and  extend  along  the 
whole  length  to  the  top  of  the  house,  the  leader  may  be 
cut  off  above  the  top  pair,  and  if  proper  care  has  been 
taken  in  breaking  the  buds,  as  previously  advised,  there 
will  be  a  uniform  strength  over  the  whole  vine.  If  the 
canes  have  been  previously  disbudded,  there  is  no  danger 
of  over-crowding,  as  the  following  year  the  bearing  branch 
is  brought  down  to  the  same  position  as  that  of  last  season, 
and  the  other  one  trained  more  upright  into  the  vacant 
space. 

All  trees  have  a  natural  tendency  to  push  the  strongest 
growth  to  the  top  and  extreme  ends,  particularly  while 
young  and  vigorous ;  and  if  the  side  branches  are  very 
closely  cut  away  periodically,  the  sap  is  directed  more 
strongly  upwards,  the  lateral  force  is  reduced  in  a  cor- 
responding ratio,  and  the  side  "branches  are  rendered 
weaker.  This  is  often  seen  in  the  grape-vine,  and  is  as 
often  a  cause  of  complaint.  Now,  the  above  method  very 
much  counteracts  this  evil,  as  a  greater  quantity  of  leaves 
are  encouraged  from  each  individual  base,  and,  of  course, 
a  greater  draw  of  fluid  is  produced  into  the  side  branches, 
which,  when  once  established,  remains  permanent ;  and, 
so  long  as  the  same  causes  are  in  existence,  the  flow  is 
equalized,  the  side  spurs  correspondingly  stronger,  the 
buds  become  plumper,  and  the  bunches  larger.  To  still 


PRUNING  AND  TRAINING.  119 

further  encourage  this  lateral  action,  it  is  not  advisable  to 
take  out  the  overplus  buds  in  the  fall,  at  the  same  time 
that  the  cane  is  disbudded,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the 
plants  are  collecting  food,  and  filling  up  the  seemingly- 
latent  parts  through  the  winter,  excepting  when  the  whole 
structure  is  frozen,  and  the  channels  of  absorption  thereby 
stopped ;  consequently,  all  the  buds  receive  a  due  share. 
Although  a  portion  of  this  stored  up  nutriment  is  wasted, 
by  allowing  the  useless  buds  to  expand,  we  gain  the  ad- 
vantage of  encouraging  a  greater  flow  into  the  side  branches 
until  the  time  when  the  unfolding  leaves  are  enabled  to 
keep  up  the  action. 

Another  method  of  spur-pruning,  and  the  one  most  gen- 
erally practised,  is  to  allow  the  cane  to  extend  itself  up- 
wards each  season,  as  above  described,  until  it  reaches  the 
top,  and  retain  the  side  spurs  closer  and  alternately 
arranged  along  the  cane ;  each  year  resting,  or  not  allow- 
ing to  bear,  every  alternate  spur,  and  when  pruning,  the 
cutting  of  all  the  spurs  close  down  to  one  eye  ;  or  leaving 
those  for  fruiting  the  following  season  somewhat  longer, 
and  in  the  next  fall  cutting  the  same  spur  close  into  the 
cane;  the  object  being  to  keep  the  side  branches  "at 
home."  Fig.  17  shows  the  cane  when  pruned.  Very 
good  crops  are  often  produced  in  this  way,  with  Fig.  IT. 
otherwise  good  treatment ;  but  in  the  first  instance 
the  bunches  are  generally  small,  and  although  in 
the  latter  this  is  for  a  few  years  obviated,  still  there 
is  the  disadvantage  of  having  to  cut  back  to  the 
main  stem,  and  of  trusting  entirely  to  the  buds  which 
may  thus  be  prompted  to  push  forth.  This  close 
cutting  weakens  down  the  lateral  force  of  the  plant's 
energy,  in  a  short  time  the  spurs  become  weak,  and 
the  whole  cane  has  eventually  to  be  cut  down ;  by 
which,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  one  year's  crop  is  lost.  We 


120  THE   GKAPB. 

are  aware,  tliat  in  thus  speaking  of  this  walking-stick 
mode  of  pruning,  we  are  going  in  the  face  of  many  good 
grape-growers  ;  but  the  fact  of  a  thing  being  generally 
"  fashionable,"  is  no  criterion  of  its  excellence.  Nature's 
action  in  all  these  matters  ought  to  be  our  guide,  and  the 
more  we  adapt  ourselves  to  her  laws,  the  more  permanent 
will  be  our  success. 

Sometimes  the  long-rod  method  is  practised.  In  this 
case,  the  first  summer  the  cane  is  trained  up  as  in  the 
former  modes,  only  left  somewhat  longer  when  pruned, 
and  this  suffered  to  bear  a  full  crop  the  next  season ;  after 
which  it  is  cut  clean  out  to  one  eye  from  the  bottom  ;  an- 
other cane  having  been  taken  up  during  the  same  time 
from  its  base,  to  afterwards  take  the  place  of  the  one  last 
fruited,  and  so  on.  By  this  plan,  which  is  seen  in  Fig.  18, 
Fig.  is.  fine  fruit  may  be  obtained,  as  the  bunches  ema- 
nate from  strong  buds,  which,  if  they  have 
been  previously  well  ripened,  throw  off  hand- 
some a'nd  large  clusters ;  but  there  is  the  evil 
of  having  to  cut  off,  at  one  fell  swoop,  the  half 
of  the  plant,  leaving  no  perennial  structural  base, 
excepting  the  very  lowest  stump.  This  whole- 
sale and  oft-repeated  cutting  keeps  the  plant 
in  a  continual  state  of  excitement,  which  is  sure 
to  eventually  show  itself  in  premature  weak- 
ness. It  is  sometimes  useful  to  resort  to  this  plan,  where 
the  upright  training  surface  is  contracted,  as  in  narrow  or 
short  raftered  pits  ;  but  here  it  may  be  modified  by  ex- 
tending and  training  the  leading  shoots  horizontally  a 
little  farther  each  season,  and  taking  upright  canes  from 
these  main  branches,  at  the  distance  of  two  feet  apart ;  in 
which  case,  each  alternate  upright  may  be  cut  out  to  an 
eye,  after  bearing,  and  another  shoot  be  taken  up  the  next 
season,  to  fruit  in  its  turn,  as  shown  in  Fig  19.  As  the 


PRUNING   AND   TRAINING.  121 

horizontal  shoots  elongate,  the  Fig.  19. 

vines  which  are  right  and  left 
of  them  may  be  taken  out. 

We  may  also  make  an  ex- 
ception in  favor  of  the  last 
mentioned,  with  regard  to  vine- 
yard culture,  for  it  is  the  best  ^Jfe 
of  all  others  for  the  purpose, 

on  account  of  the  facility  with  which  the  canes  can  be  tied 
to  the  supports,  and  the  permanently  less  quantity  of 
plants  that  it  is  necessary  to  congregate  on  a  given  space. 
And  here  we  have  evidence  to  prove  the  above  mentioned 
assertions  respecting  the  shortening  of  vitality;  for  a 
plantation  trained  on  the  single  cane  short-cut  plan,  and 
every  season  subjected  to  this  severe  lopping,  requires 
occasional  renewing.  So  much  is  this  the  case  in  some 
parts  of  Europe,  that  a  fresh  plantation  of  vines  has  to  be 
made  every  three  or  four  years.  Now,  as  this  can  be  pre- 
vented with  so  little  expense  or  trouble,  and  there  is  a 
more  than  counterbalancing  advantage  arising  from  the 
system,  it  is  well,  in  this  particular  instance,  to  follow 
what  best  answers  the  purpose  in  view. 

The  renewal  method  is  adopted  by  some,  which  is  as 
follows  :  The  one  year  old  cane  is  cut  back  to  about  half 
the  length  of  the  rafter,  and  allowed  to  bear  the  next 
season  ;  while  fruiting,  the  top  growth  is  conducted  per- 
pendicularly, and  at  the  proper  time  is  pruned  off  at  the 
top  of  the  house  ;  during  the  same  summer,  another  cane 
is  taken  up  from  the  bottom,  and  on  one  side,  which  is  cut 
back  one-half,  as  the  other  one  was  the  previous  year. 
The  next  season,  this  new  cane  is  allowed  to  fruit,  and  also 
the  upper  part  of  the  first  one,  the  side  spurs  on  the 
lower  half  having  been  cut  out.  Thus,  there  is  a  full 
crop,  only  each  half  is  on  two  separate  canes.  The 
6 


122 


THE   GRAPE. 


youngest  one  is  now  suffered  to  grow,  and  is  in  its  turn 
cut  off  at  the  top,  another  brought  up  from  the  bottom, 
and  the  oldest  cut  clear  out.     Fig.  20  represents  the  three 
Fig.  20.  separate    canes    in    their    respective 

stages.  Here  we  have  the  fruit  always 
borne  on  young  and  vigorous  wood, 
which  generally  produces  the  finest 
fruit ;  no  spurring  is  required,  and 
there  is  the  advantage  o?  a  large  bulk 
of  leaves  and  branches,  the  former  of 
which  affords  nourishment ;  and  pro- 
motes the  maturity  of  the  roots ;  but 
the  tops  require  somewhat  more  side 
room,  and  the  vines  ought  to  be  planted 
a  little  further  apart  than  is  necessary 
where  spurring  is  resorted  to.  Where 
a  vine  is  allotted  only  a  certain  space,  this  is  one  of  the 
best  methods  of  training,  but  it  is  unsightly,  and  if  the 
same  advantages  can  be  gained  otherwise,  and  at  the  same 
time  beauty  in  appearance,  it  is  certainly  desirable  to  in- 
sure both.  Now  the  first  described  mode  accomplishes 
this  object  in  the  grapery  and  also  retains  a  larger  amount 
of  solid  structure  in  the  form  of  a  strong  permanent  stem, 
through  which  can  flow  an  ample  supply  of  sap  to  the 
leares,  and  receive  back  the  food,  elaborated  by  them, 
down  to  the  roots  in  a  healthy  way,  and  without  any  un- 
due excitement  to  the  whole  organization. 

But  the  best  of  all  plans,  and  also  the  most  natural  is, 
to  extend  the  head  somewhat  each  season,  so  that  finally, 
one  vine  may  cover  a  large  surface.  Nature  works  by 
certain  fixed  laws  which  man  cannot  alter,  and  any  long 
continued  attempt  to  force  her  to  swerve  from  her  own 
course,  is  sure  to  end  in  final  failure  and  disappointment. 
It  cannot  be  denied,  that  much  success  is  obtained  by 


PRUNING   AND   TRAINING.  123 

modes  of  cultivation  which  would  appear  to  speak  to  the 
contrary,  but  observe  the  ultimate  results  patiently,  with 
care  and  without  prejudice,  and  all  these  abuses  will  tell 
their  own  woful  tale. 

One  of  the  causes  why  the  grape  vine  so  soon  wears 
out,  as  it  is  generally  considered  to  do,  is  produced  by 
such  close  pruning  as  we  yearly  subject  it  to — the  volume 
of  the  plants  is  increased  for  three  or  four  years  at  first, 
and  afterwards  only  allowed  the  same  extent  of  surface. 
There  is  no  other  fruit-bearing  plant  that  would  continue 
to  prosper  long  with  this  treatment ;  take  for  example  a 
peach  or  an  apple,  allow  either  the  one  or  the  other  to 
produce  a  long  straight  stem  of  twelve  or  fifteen  feet,  and 
cut  in  the  side  branches  to  an  eye,  never  suffering  it  any 
further  extension  but  what  is  produced  in  the  summer — 
again  to  be  cut  out — and  it  would,  after  a  few  years'  constant 
excitement,  dwindle  down  to  a  mere  stump,  and  finally  die 
out.  If  the  grape-vine  does  not  show  the  same  so  readily, 
it  is  only  because  of  its  extremely  tenacious  constitutional 
powers,  for  the  same  law  governs  both,  and  both  alike 
must  sooner  or  later  arrive  at  the  same  imbecile  condition. 

As  a  vine,  if  extended  over  a  great  space,  would  only 
admit  of  a  limited  number  being  grown,  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  explain  how  this  may  be  accomplished  ;  and  like- 
wise how,  during  the  interval,  the  usual  crop  may  be 
secured.  In  planting,  place  in  the  centre  of  the  intended 
row  a  vine  of  known  good  qualities;  at  intervals  of  about 
twelve  feet  plant  others  of  equal  merit,  and  fill  up  the 
vacancies  with  sorts  as  fancy  may  dictate,  so  that  each 
one  may  stand  about  three  feet  apart  from  the  next. 
During  the  first  two  seasons  train  all  up  as  usual ;  so  far 
we  have  elongated  the  surface  upwards,  and  the  canes 
will  be  near  the  top  of  the  house.  In  pruning  the  second 
fall,  as  there  are  side  spurs  on  the  lower  half  of  the  canes 


124  THE   GKAPB. 

in  the  Louse,  or  on  the  whole  length  in  the  vineyard,  cut 
these  in  to  about  three  eyes.  Bear  each  other  vine  the 
next  year  as  heavy  as  it  is  thought  advisable,  so  as  to 
secure  the  fruit  ripening  and  coloring  well ;  ease  the  others 
in  like  proportion,  which  will  give  vigor  and  assist  them 
afterwards.  When  the  fruit  is  cut  on  those  vines  which 
have  borne  the  heaviest  crop  take  them  out,  and  when 
pruning  the  others  leave  the  side  branches  about  a  foot 
long,  which  will  fill  up  the  vacant  spaces.  Next  year 
train  these  branches  horizontally,  and  in  the  fall  following, 
spur  them  as  advised  above,  with  the  upright  cane,  and  at 
the  same  time  leave  another  length  on  the  end  of  each. 
As  these  side  branches  continue  to  be  lengthened  and  fill 
up  more  space,  bear  those  vines  on  each  side  of  them  some- 
what heavier,  and  afterwards  take  them  out.  In  the  course 
of  a  few  years  each  vine  will  appear  as  seen  in  Fig.  21. 
Fig.  21. 


By  this  system  it  will  readily  be  seen  that  few  varieties 
can  be  grown  in  a  limited  space,  but  quality  always  gives 
the  most  permanent  satisfaction,  and  where  variety  is 
required  it  may  be  had  in  the  first  instance  and  quality 
secured  afterwards,  if  care  is  taken  in  planting  good  sorts 
in  the  right  places  at  the  commencement. 

It  may  be  thought  by  some  persons  that  so  few  vines 


PRUNING  AND   TRAINING.  125 

are  not  able  to  carry  a  full  crop  in  a  given  space;  never 
fear  that,  for  if  there  is  sufficient  surface  of  well-ripened 
wood,  the  roots  in  good  order,  and  the  expansion  judiciously 
accumulated,  the  quantity  of  fruit  may  be  gradually  in- 
creased until  a  ton  weight  may  be  taken  from  off  a  single 
vine,  and  that  without  injury,  as  is  proved  by  some  which 
are  now  in  existence,  and  are  known  to  be  over  two  hun- 
dred years  old,  among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  large 
Hamburgh  at  Hampton  Court,  near  London,  that  has 
frequently  borne  the  above  weight  in  a  season.  Show 
me  an  instance  where  the  same  longevity  and  continued 
fruitfulness  has  been  gained  by  the  ordinary  walking- 
stick  confining  to  one  cane  or  short-cut  method,  and  then 
I  will  believe  that  nature  can  alter  her  course,  and  that 
man's  simple  ideas  can  control  the  wonderful  action  of  his 
Creator's  intelligence. 

That  judicious  shortening  in  at  the  right  season,  and  under 
proper  circumstances,  is  beneficial  has  been  clearly  demon- 
strated ;  we  know  that  it  tends  to  give  vigorous  and 
healthy  growth;  both  theory  and  practice  tell  us  so.  By 
it  we  gain  a  stronger  propelling  power  from  the  roots, 
without  reducing  their  volume,  or  enfeebling  their  energy. 
But  to  cut  annually ',  so  free  growing  a  plant  as  the  grape- 
vine to  a  mere  stump,  is,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  a  barbarous 
mutilation  of  God  s  providence,  and  is  sure  to  end  in  prema- 
ture weakness,  sappy  and  papery  leaves,  spindling  ill-ripen- 
ed wood,  and  barrenness.  By  this  method,  last  described, 
the  roots  have  ample  space  to  luxuriate  in  ;  one  vine  would 
eventually  occupy  and  fill  a  whole  border,  which  usually 
has  to  accommodate  a  great  number,  and  as  the  head  has 
a  corresponding  expansion,  according  to  the  requirements 
of  the  subject,  a  greater  certainty  of  permanence  and 
future  vitality  is  gained.  As  a  matter  of  profit  it  is  the 
most  beneficial,  for  there  is  surely  more  lasting  gain  where 


126  THE   GRAPE. 

a  house  or  even  a  vineyard  will  continue  to  yield  a  good 
crop  for  two  or  three  generations,  than  when  the  planting, 
making  fresh  borders,  &c.,  has  to  be  renewed  every  ten, 
or  at  most  fifteen  years. 

In  making  these  remarks  we  would  not  wish  to  be 
severe,  for  there  are  many  persons  so  situated  by  pe- 
culiar circumstances  as  to  prevent  them  from  carrying 
out  the  most  natural  or  best  methods  of  culture,  even 
though  they  may  be  aware  of  the  error  of  their  present 
practice,  yet  there  are  others  who  have  popular  and  prac- 
tical prejudices  to  overcome,  before  they  will  be  enabled 
to  see  the  desirableness  of  asking  themselves  a  few 
physiological  questions,  or  take  the  trouble  to  find  the 
answers  in  nature's  voluminous  folios.  May  we  hope  that 
these  set  notions  and  dogmas  may  speedily  vanish,  from 
this  free  country  at  least,  where  the  mutual  and  physical 
industry  of  man  is  unfettered,  and  where  we  may  become 
a  pattern  to  the  world,  in  good  culture,  if  not  in  artificial 
grandeur. 

We  cannot  let  the  present  part  of  the  subject  pass  by 
without  a  few  remarks  on  summer  pruning,  and  as  it  may 
be  thought  that  this  is  merely  a  repetition  of  former  words, 
we  plead  the  importance  of  the  matter  for  the  introduc- 
tion. It  has  often  been  advised,  and  that,  too,  by  some  of 
the  best  cultivators,  to  stop  the  bearing  shoots  at  an  eye, 
or  in  some  instances  two  eyes  above  the  bunch,  and  like- 
wise to  do  the  same  with  the  young  cane  when  it  has 
elongated  to  the  top  of  the  rafter,  or  the  upright  support ; 
also  to  pinch  out  all  laterals  as  they  are  produced,  thereby 
making  the  operation  into  a  rule.  There  is  no  doubt  that 
many  conscientiously  believe  such  a  system  to  be  judi- 
cious, and  because  their  crops  are  satisfactory  to  themselves, 
they  continue  on  the  same  practice  without  further  con- 
sideration ;  but  this  does  not  close  up  the  avenue  for  free 


PRUNING   AND   TRAINING.  127 

discussion,  neither  does  it  prove  that  it  is  the  ultimatum 
of  perfection.  If  we  pursue  the  investigation  of  this  mat- 
ter in  a  physiological  manner,  we  are  led  to  understand 
that  all  summer  pruning  tends  to  lessen  the  vigor,  and 
cripple  the  energy  of  all  plants ;  and  practical  experience, 
combined  with  observation,  proves  the  fact.  Arguing 
from  this  point,  we  may  be  accused  of  advocating  no  sum- 
mer pruning  at  all,  to  which  we  say,  "  not  guilty."  If 
the  greatest  extension  of  branches  and  corresponding 
roots,  or  bulk  of  timber  were  the  object,  then  the  less 
pruning  the  better,  but  the  present  position  is  a  consider- 
ation of  circumstances  and  adaptability,  independent,  to  a 
certain  extent,  of  nature's  action ;  the  object  being  to 
coax  her  to  accommodate  herself  to  our  conveniences  ;  and 
as  the  grape  vin«  is  one  of  the  most  easily  trained  of  her 
family,  we  have,  in  this  case,  a  partial  control.  We  ought 
then,  to  consider  what  we  are  doing,  and  how  far  we  are 
acting  in  unison  with  what  are  known  to  be* established 
laws,  and  to  infringe  too  far  upon  these  is  sure  to  produce 
evil.  This  or  that  man's  dogmatical  opinion  must  cer- 
tainly fail  unless  it  be  based  upon  this  indisputable  cer- 
tainty,— where  is  the  use  of  following  this-should-be, 
or  that  ought-to-be,  unless  somewhat  in  accordance  with 
these  natural  demands.  Yet  we  find  a  prolific  and  luxu- 
riant plant,  such  as  the  grape-vine  is,  stubbed  in,  cut 
close,  and  sheared  like  a  convict, — we  were  near  saying 
shaved  too,  for  the  pinching  back  to  one  eye  above  the 
fruit  is  nearly  tantamount  to  that  close  operation.  The 
reason  given  for  this  peculiar  treatment  is,  that  the  fruit, 
and  also  the  plant,  is  strengthened  by  it.  How  would  it 
strengthen  one's  toes  by  cutting  off  a  finger,  supposing 
another  would  grow  in  its  place  ;  or  would  an  animal  pro- 
duce the  finer  offspring  if  the  body  were  to  be  mutilated  ? 
It  is  just  possible  that  an  amount  of  gangrene  would  be 


128  THE   GRAPE. 

the  consequence;  but  as  to  truly  healthful  action,  it  is 
possible  that  we  should  be  none  the  gainers.  Perhaps 
this  kind  of  analogy  may  be  thought  a  very  vulgar  way 
of  explaining  what  might  be  shown  in  more  delicate 
words ;  but  if  coarse,  the  true  meaning  is  purposely  exhi- 
bited, to  show  up  the  ridiculousness  of  curtailing  nature. 
As  stated  above,  the  subject  is  a  matter  of  circumstances, 
we  have  to  do  with  a  family  of  plants  that  would  occupy 
a  great  volume  of  surface,  yet  we  wish  to  have  a  large 
number,  comparatively  speaking,  in  a  small  space,  and  the 
best  we  can  do  is,  not  to  weaken  down  natural  energy 
more  than  there  is  occasion  for.  Pruning,  properly  per- 
formed, and  in  the  right  season,  is  certainly  of  great  ser- 
vice ;  we  find  it  so  practically,  its  good  effects  are  every- 
where to  be  seen  when  it  is  adopted ;  but  so  far  and 
no  further  is  it  advisable.  If  proof  be  required  of  the 
injury  that  may  be  done  by  too  close  stopping,  let  any 
one  try  the  experiment  of  pinching  in  closely  the  side 
shoots  of  a  part  of  his  vines,  and  leave  the  others  several 
joints  longer,  and  he  will  find  at  the  end  of  the  growing 
season  that  those  which  were  left  the  longest  are  better 
ripened  than  the  shorter  ones,  providing  the  light  has  had 
equal  influence  on  both.  If  the'"  vines  are  no  further 
apart  than  three  feet,  the  distance  will  allow  a  shoot  on 
each  side  of  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches,  upon  which  there 
may  be  from  seven  to  eight  leaves ;  and  allowing  the 
fruit  to  be  on  the  second  or  third  joint,  there  will  still 
remain  four  or  five  leaves  above  it,  each  of  which  will  do 
its  duty  in  elaborating  the  crude  juices,  and  assimilating 
the  carbonic  acid  absorbed,  thereby  adding  to  the  bulk 
and  solidity  of  the  whole  structure ;  and  if  so,  increasing 
the  amount  and  greater  firmness  of  the  roots ;  for,  accord- 
ing to  the  amount  and  action  of  the  foliage  under  favora- 
ble influences,  so  are  the  underground  extremities  encour- 


PRUNING  AND  TRAINING.  129 

aged.  As  stated  elsewhere,  the  grape  vine  is  a  plant  of 
great  longevity  ;  notwithstanding  which,  with  the  prac- 
tice of  some  vigneronsi  it  is  considered  to  he  worn  out  in 
a  few  years,  and  fresh  plantations  have  to  be  made  period- 
ically. This  may  in  vineyard  culture  answer  the  particu- 
lar purposes  of  the  cultivator,  and  by  the  method  of  only 
allowing  a  few  feet  of  bearing  surface  to  each  individual, 
a  great  amount  of  fruit,  and  suitable  quality  for  his  pur- 
pose, may  be  obtained  from  a  limited  extent  of  land  em- 
ployed. Here  is  evidence  that  too  much  curtailing  of 
the  plant's  natural  disposition  shortens  life,  and  weakens 
down  the  constitution  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  it 
worthless,  comparatively  speaking,  in  a  very  short  time. 
Considering  that  there  is  not  a  very  great  expense  in 
replanting  a  vineyard,  the  means  may  be  said  to  justify 
the  end,  but  when  we  come  to  the  outlay  incurred  in 
erecting  glass  houses,  preparing  borders,  &c.,  it  behooves 
us  to  think  well  how  we  can  pay  back  a  permanent  inte- 
rest on  the  capital  invested,  and  if  there  be  any  method 
that  will  keep  a  house  of  vines  in  healthy  bearing  for  a 
long  time  without  the  requirement  of  renewal,  surely  it 
must  be  wisdom  to  adopt  it.  If  the  grape  vine  is  a  long 
liver  when  allowed  to  extend,  and  soon  worn  out  if  kept 
in  small  compass,  is  it  not  reasonable,  if  we  wish  perma- 
nency, that  all  the  available  space  that  we  have  in  the 
superficial  area  of  a  house  should  be  covered  with  healthy 
leaves,  in  order  the  better  to  concentrate  and  store  up  the 
food  for  future  development,  and  add  each  year  a  fresh 
layer  of  well  organized  alburnum  to  the  previously  exist- 
ing sound  vascular  tissue  1  If  we  take  further  into  account 
the  glutted  preparations  that  are  often  compounded  for 
vinery  borders,  and  the  consequently  immense  encourage- 
ment given  to  luxuriant  growth,  it  really  appears  surpris- 
ing that  such  close  cutting  in  as  is  generally  practised 


130  THE   GRAPE. 

does  not  either  kill,  or  cause  disease  in  less  time  than  is 
the  case,  and  it  is  just  possible  that  the  present  ravages  of 
mildew  in  Europe  have  been  accelerated  by  this  cause. 
Such  are  the  writer's  ideas  upon  the  subject,  and  as  the 
present  object  is  to  enlighten  the  learner,  they  are  submit- 
ted to  approval  or  censure,  as  each  practical  and  suc- 
cessful cultivator  may  think  fit,  with  the  conscientious 
belief  that  such  is  more  becoming  the  present  age  of  pro- 
gress, ajjd  if  followed  up  would  be  the  means  of  prolong- 
ing the  healthfullness  and  fruitfulness  of  the  grape-vine. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

PROPAGATION  AND    THE    RAISING    OF 
NEW    KINDS. 

THE  grape-vine  may  be  propagated  from  Eyes,  Cut- 
tings, Layers,  Seed,  and  by  Grafting, 

EYES. — An  Eye  is  a  short  portion  of  a  branch  having 
only  one  bud,  Fig.  22.  This  method  is  most  commonly 
made  use  of  for  increasing  the  exotic  varieties,  and  is 
equally  applicable  to  the  natives;  it  is  the  best  for  all 
purposes,  where  there  is  the  convenience  of  a  glass  frame 
or  hot-house.  The  process  is  as  follows  :  Fi>»22' 

Any  time  from  the  beginning  of  Febru- 
ary to  the  last  of  March  take  well- 
ripened  yearling  branches,  and  cut  into 
as  many  pieces  as  there  are  buds,  so 
that  one  remain  to  each  portion  ;  reduce  the  wood  above 
and  below,  by  a  slanting  cut,  diverging  from  the  bud  on 
both  ends ;  have  in  readiness  as  many  pots,  propagating 
pans,  or  shallow  boxes  with  holes  in  the  bottom,  as  may 
be  needed,  throw  in  an  inch  or  two  of  small  lumps  of 
charcoal  or  broken  crocks;  over  this,  place  a  layer  of 
moss,  and  fill  up  with  soil,  of  loose  but  moderately  fertile 
texture ;  make  it  somewhat  solid,  and  press  the  prepared 
buds  into  it,  an  inch  apart,  so  that  the  tops  be  level  with 
the  surface;  place  them  in  a  gentle  hot-bed,  or  a  house 
where  a  night  temperature  of  55°  to  60a  is  maintained; 
keep  the  earth  moist,  but  not  too  wet,  as  the  young  shoots 
when  they  begin  to  protrude  are  liable  to  be  injured  by 

(181) 


132  THE   GRAPE. 

dampness.  For  the  same  reason,  if  a  hot-bed  be  used, 
great  care  should  be  taken  that  there  is  no  accumulation 
of  rank  steam,  or  condensed  moisture.  In  five  or  six 
weeks  they  will  have  elongated  an  inch  or  two  above  the 
soil,  when  they  may  be  potted  off  singly  into  half-pint 
pots,  and  still  retained  in  the  same  or  a  similar  situation. 
When  they  have  grown  some  five  or  six  inches  more,  these 
pots  will  be  filled  with  roots,  and  the  plants  may  be  trans- 
ferred into  those  of  quart  size,  which  will  be  sufficient  for 
the  season,  if  only  stocky  plants  for  future  planting  be 
required,  but  when  the  intention  is  to  make  strong  plants 
for  fruiting  next  year  in  pots,  it  will  be  requisite  to  re- 
move from  time  to  time,  according  as  they  progress,  into 
gallons  and  two  gallons.  The  shoots  will  also  need  to  be 
tied  to  stakes  as  they  continue  to  grow.  If  healthy  stock 
is  wanted  it  will  be  necessary  to  place  the  plants,  during 
the  summer,  in  the  same  growing  temperature  as  is  recom- 
mended for  fruiting  vines,  and  by  care  and  encouragement 
these  young  canes  may  be  extended  to  twelve  or  fifteen 
feet  long ;  it  is  however  desirable  that  the  tops  should  be 
nipped  out  at  the  height  of  about  six  feet,  which  will  pre- 
vent crowding,  and  allow  the  light  to  act  more  freely  on 
the  lower  leaves,  which  in  their  turn  mature  the  buds  on 
each  axil.  As  stated  above,  this  strong  growth  is  not  neces- 
sary, unless  for  pot  culture ;  for  a  small  well-ripened  vine, 
with  plenty  of  healthy  roots,  is  quite  as  good  for  perma- 
nent planting,  and  with  after  good  management  will  make 
headway  equal  to  a  stronger  one. 

Cuttings. — A  cutting  as  generally  understood  is  a  length 
of  the  last  season's  cane  containing  several  buds,  Fig.  23. 
To  propagate  by  this  plan  proceed  as  follows  :  So  soon  as 
the  ground  is  in  good  working  order  after  the  breaking  up 
of  winter,  dig,  and  break  up  well  with  the  spade,  a  sufficient 
plot  for  the  quantity  intended ;  string  a  line  across  one 


PROPAGATION   AND    KAISING.  133 

end,  cut  a  trench  about  six  inches  deep,  prepare  the  cut- 
tings as  shown  above,  and  place  each  six  inches  apart 
against  the  bank  so  formed ;  leave  one  or  two  eyes  pj<r  ^ 
above  ground,  press  the  soil  tight  to  them,  and 
afterwards  level  with  the  spade ;  eighteen  inches 
from  this  row  open  another  trench,  and  so  proceed 
until  all  is  done.  If  the  season  should  prove  dry- 
before  the  roots  have  got  sufficient  hold,  it  is  ad- 
visable to  use  water ;  and  if  such  be  required  do 
not  dribble,  but  give  enough  to  soak  down,  that  the 
earth  may  be  moistened  below.  One  application  in 
this  way  will  do  more  good  than  a  dozen  sprink- 
lings, which  only  bake  the  ground  on  the  surface, 
without  any  benefit.  This  method  is  the  most  economical, 
and  all  things  considered,  it  is  the  best  for  the  hardy 
kinds,  for  which  alone  it  is  suitable. 

Another  mode  of  increase  by  cuttings,  technically 
termed  coiling  is  to  take  a  length  of  cane,  say  from  three 
to  four  feet  fong,  and  coil  the  lower  part  around  on  the 
inside  of  a  large  pot,  which  is  afterwards  filled  up  with 
earth  (such  as  is  recommended  for 
fruiting  in  pot  culture),  leaving  a  few 
eyes  above  the  top,  Fig.  24.  This  is 
of  service  only  when  strong  and  vigor- 
ous plants  are  wanted  in  the  least  pos- 
sible time  for  pot  culture,  and  when 
there  are  any  long  prunings  to  spare, 
it  is  the  best  method  that  can  be 
adopted,  but  it  is  only  in  such  cases 
that  it  is  of  any  use. 

Layers  are  branches  of  the  plant 
bent  down,  a  part  of  each  being  covered  with  earth  while 
the  base  remains  attached,  Fig.  25.  These  layers  throw 
out  roots  and  may  be  afterwards  cut  off  from  the  mother 


134  THE   GRAPE. 

plant.  The  most  common  process  is  to  merely  cover  with 
soil,  leaving  the  ends  protruding,  any  time  from  the  fall 
of  the  leaf  until  the  rise  of  the .  sap,  but  as  there  is  a 
"  best"  in  all  things,  so  in  this,  and  we  may  as  well  show 
it.  Early  in  the  summer,  when  the  young  growth  has 

Fig.  25. 


attained  to  the  length  of  six  or  eight  inches,  bring  down 
the  branch  intended  to  be  laid,  cover  the  whole  length  to 
the  depth  of  three  inches,  and  peg  it  down,  leaving  the 
tops  that  were  the  previous  laterals  above  the  soil;  during 
the  summer  roots  will  be  emitted  at  every  joint,  and  of 
course  there  will  be  as  many  plants  as  there  are  shoots. 
The  same  operation  may  be  performed  any  time  up  to  the 
middle  of  July,  but  if  sooner  done,  a  better  stock  of  good 
and  well-rooted  plants  will  be  the  result.  It  sometimes  so 
happens,  that  an  increase  is  wanted  from  some  favorite  or 
new  variety  that  maybe  in  bearing  and 
trained  in  the  grapery,  without  having 
to  wait  so  long  as  the  more  ordinary 
methods  require.  In  such  case,  one  or 
more  of  the  side  branches  may  be  drawn 
through  the  bottom  of  a  flower-pot,  the 
hole  of  which  has  been  made  large  for 
the  purpose,  or  the  pot  may  be  divided 
into  halves  and  again  fixed  together  by 
a  copper  wire ;  at  the  same  time  a  sharp 
knife  should  be  passed  round  the  stem 


PROPAGATION   AND   RAISING.  135 

inside  so  as  to  sever  the  bark,  but  no  deeper,  which  will 
facilitate  the  emission  of  roots :  the  pot  may  be  then  filled 
lip  with  earth,  and  suspended  in  a  very  convenient  posi- 
tion, and  if  kept  moist  will  soon  be  filled  with  roots ;  after 
which  it  may  be  cut  away  and  treated  as  other  stock. 
Fig.  26  is  an  example  of  this  kind  of  layering. 

Grafting  can  be  only  considered  as  just  coming  within 
the  scope  of  propagation,  the  object  being  not  so  much  to 
increase  the  number  of  plants,  as  the  changing  01  one 
kind  on  to  the  root  or  stock  of  another.  It  is  generally 
adopted  to  obtain  a  superior  or  more  favorite  variety  than 
the  one  that  is  occupying  some  particular  spot,  and  has 
been  recommended  as  capable  of  increasing  the  hardi- 
ness of  the  future  plant,  providing  that  the  stock  is  of 
that  nature ;  the  theory  being,  that  a  hardy  sort  imparts 
a  portion  of  its  character  to  the  new  parts.  There  is 
no  doubt  some  advantage  gained  by  the  process,  but 
it  must  not  be  put  down  for  certain  that  a  native  root 
will  so  far  alter  the  constitution  of  the  exotic  as  to 
make  it  prosper  out  of  doors  under  all  circumstances, 
and  in  all  situations  where  the  former  would  thrive,  all 
that  will  or  can  be  gained  is  the  greater  hardihood  of  the 
roots,  which  may  in  some  cases  give  a  more  steady  or  un- 
interrupted flow  to  the  branches,  and  consequently  a  better 
chance  of  resisting  that  bane  to  the  exotic  grape-vine,  the 
excessive  climatic  changes.  It  is  a  method  that  is  of  no 
service  excepting  for  the  above  reasons,  as  young  and 
healthy  plants  will  answer  a  better  purpose  generally. 

As  the  grape-vine  is  subject  to  "  bleed,"  if  cut  early  in 
the  season,  and  does  not  do  so  after  the  leaves  are  ex- 
panded, it  is  necessary  to  defer  the  operation  until  growth 
has  somewhat  progressed ;  or,  rather,  it  gives  the  greater 
certainty  of  success.  And  as  the  same  heat  that  excites 
the  stock  into  activity  will  also  start  the  intended  scions 


136  THE    GRAPE. 

it  is  requisite  to  keep  the  latter  in  a  cool  but  damp  place 
Where  there  is  an  ice-house,  they  may  be  laid  on  the 
inside  upon  the  covering,  or,  in  want  of  that  convenience, 
they  should  be  buried  beneath  the  soil,  in  as  cool  a  place 
as  can  be  found.  There  is  no  occasion  to  enter  into  a  sci- 
entific disquisition  on  grafting,  or  to  explain  the  various 
methods  of  doing  it ;  our  object  is  gained  in  this  case,  if 
the  best  be  illustrated.  Cleft  grafting  is,  perhaps,  the  most 
suitable,  while  it  is  also  the  most  simple,  and  is  as  follows  : 
When  the  shoots  have  grown  some  eight  or  ten  inches,  cut 
off  the  head  close  to  the  ground,  smooth  over  the  top,  and 
with  a  knife  or  sharp  chisel  cleave  down  the  stem  about 
two  inches,  put  in  a  wedge  to  keep  it  open  for  the  time 
being,  and  cut  the  graft  to  fit,  making  a  notch  where  it 
rests  upon  the  stock,  to  keep  it  firm ;  if  two  be  fixed  in 
the  same  way,  only  each  on  opposite  sides,  there  will  be 
a  double  chance  of  certainty,  when,  if  both  take,  the 
weakest  may  be  cut  out.  Care  must  be  used  in  fixing  the 
graft,  that  the  bark  unites  with  that  of  the  stock,  for  on 
this  nice  point  all  success  depends.  Take  out  the  wedge, 
and  wrap  around  with  soft  woollen  yarn,  or  bast-mat; 
cover  over  the  top  of  the  stock,  and  to  a  little  below  the 
graft,  with  grafting- wax,  or  moistened  clay;  afterwards 
heap  over  the  whole  a  portion  of  soil,  so  as  to  form  a  small 
mound,  leaving  the  top  of  the  graft  uncovered.  Fig.  27 
shows  (a)  the  scion,  (b)  the  stock, 
and  (c)  both,  after  the  operation. 

Another  way,  termed  Side-  Graft- 
ing (fig.  28),  is  to  cut  in  a  slant- 
ing direction,  one-third  through  the 
stock,  and  prepare  the  graft  to  fit 
wedge-form  into  it,  care  being  taken 
that  the  bark  of  both  fits  exactly  on  one  side ;  the  tying, 


PROPAGATION   AND   RAISING.  137 

&c,,  is  the  same  as  in  the  former  case.  This  is  somtimes 
useful  when  it  is  desirable  to  preserve  the  head,  and  Fig  2s. 
perhaps  the  fruit  on  it,  for  the  season;  but  the 
newly-introduced  part  does  not  often  get  strong 
during  the  time,  and,  on  the  whole,  there  is  no  ad- 
vantage gained. 

Inarching  is  sometimes  practised  (fig.  29),  which  is 
simply  the  uniting  of  two  branches  that  are  each 
attached  to  neighboring  plants.  Where  it  is  intended 
the  union  is  to  be  made,  the  bark,  and  also  a  thin 
slice  of  the  wood  (in  thickness  according  to  the  size 
of  the  intended  new  sort)  must  be  cut  away  so  that  the 
bark  on  both  sides  will  unite ;  the  two  are  then  brought 
together,  tied,  &c.,  as  in  the  former  cases  -^  29 
of  grafting.  There  is  no  advantage  in  this 
plan,  excepting  that  it  may  be  performed 
any  time  during  the  summer.  It  is,  how- 
ever, best  to  do  it  immediately  after  the 
full  expansion  of  the  first  leaves,  which 
better  insures  a  perfect  adhesion.  When 
it  is  thought  that  the  union  is  complete, 
which  ought  to  be  in  five  or  six  weeks, 
the  lower  part  of  the  introduced  branch 
may  be  cut  half  through,  and  left  so' 
while  attached  to  its  own  parent.  In  another  week,  or 
ten  days,  it  may  be  entirely  severed,  and  again  left  a  sim- 
ilar length  of  time,  when  the  head  of  the  dishonored  kind 
may  be  cut  away,  and  the  new  one  allowed  to  take  its 
place.  Without  these  latter  precautions,  there  is  great 
danger  of  failure,  as  the  sap  may  not  have  begun  to  flow 
freely  into  the  new  parts.  It  should  also  be  observed, 
that  in  all  the  examples,  when  it  is  seen  that  the  ligatures 
begin  to  grip  the  bark,  from  the  increase  of  growth,  they 


138  THE   GRAPE. 

should  be  loosened  a  trifle,  and  in  a  week  or  two  after- 
wards they  may  be  removed  entirely. 

Seed. — The  preparation  for  seed,  and  the  after  manage- 
ment, may  be  exactly  the  same  as  for  eyes ;  so  there  is 
no  occasion  to  give  any  directions  on  this  head,  further 
than  by  stating  that  it  should  not  be  buried  deeper  than 
half  an  inch.  If  there  is  not  the  convenience  of  a  hot-bed 
or  hot-house,  the  hardy  kinds  may  be  sown  in  the  begin- 
ning of  April,  in  a  cold  frame,  or,  where  there  is  no  glass 
accommodation  at  all,  they  may  be  made,  with  care,  to 
vegetate  in  the  open  ground,  but  not  with  the  same  cer- 
tainty. 

The  Raising  of'  New  Kinds. — New  or  different  varieties 
of  any  plant  are  generally  raised  from  seed  ;  in  fact,  it 
may  be  said  that  all  permanent  ones  are  so.  It  occasion- 
ally, though  very  rarely,  so  happens,  that  a  plant  will  pro- 
duce a  sport  in  some  particular  branch,  which,  if  budded 
or  grafted  on  to  other  stocks  of  the  same  genus,  will  con- 
tinue to  produce  the  like  from  which  they  were  taken. 
The  Tottenham  Park  Muscat  Grape,  and  Fern-leaved 
Beech,  are  examples  of  this  kind ;  but  such  sports  are  not 
always  to  be  depended  on,  as  they  are  apt  to  again  pro- 
duce offshoots  like  the  original  parent ;  consequently  we 
cannot  say  that  they  are  really  permanent,  although  the 
return  backwards  only  occasionally  occurs  ;  still  it  is  pos- 
sible, and  sometimes  is  the  case. 

In  varieties  raised  from  seed  we  very  rarely  find  a  change, 
either  in  the  original  plant,  or  any  buds  or  branches  which 
may  be  taken  from  it  or  from  them  in  after  years.  Not- 
withstanding which,  there  are  some  species  so  prone  to 
sport  from  the  seed,  that  no  two  will  be  alike,  or  exactly 
similar  to  the  parent  from  which  they  were  obtained,  and 
the  grape-vine  is  among  this  class.  Without  stopping  to 
discuss  the  question  of  what  is  a  species,  it  may  be  stated 


PROPAGATION   AIsTD   RAISING.  189 

that,  when  once  the  apparent  fixedness  of  natural  distinct- 
ive characters  is  broken,  either  by  accidental  or  purposed 
hybridization,  there  is  no  end  to  the  variety  that  may  be 
produced.  So  prolific  has  this  variation  been  in  the  exotic 
kinds,  that  some  European  catalogues  enumerate  several 
hundred  sorts ;  and  although  many  of  these  are  merely 
duplicates  of  others,  there  are  still  left  enough  to  prove 
the  case.  In  our  country  the  same  is  being  verified  by 
the  many  new  kinds  which  are  at  present  being  intro- 
duced to  public  notice,  and  as  the  community  become 
more  awake  to  the  improvement  that  may  be  made,  we 
shall  have  a  long  array  of  names,  containing  in  the  aggre- 
gate all  sorts,  from  fine  and  good,  down  to  middling  and 
bad ;  and,  in  connection  with  this,  we  may  look  forward  to 
a  far  superior  quality  to  any  we  now  possess ;  for  there  is 
nothing  to  prevent  a  progressive  movement,  or  ultimately 
attaining  to  the*  same  perfection  which  the  exotics  at 
present  possess,  with  the  additional  property  of  a  hardy 
constitution,  that  will  prosper  in  the  open  air,  without  the 
great  drawback  of  mildew,  to  which  the  foreign  kinds  are 
so  subject,  and  which  consequently  renders  them  worth- 
less for  out-door  culture,  with  very  few  exceptions.  So 
important  is  this  matter  as  a  national  profit,  that  the  sub- 
ject cannot  be  forwarded  or  discussed  too  much.  Our 
own  vineyards  are  now  supplying  a  great  part  of  the  home 
demand ;  and  if  the  present  grape-blight  of  Europe  con- 
tinues much  longer,  the  making  of  wine,  and  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  grape,  will  be  so  much  curtailed  there,  that  it 
is  not  unlikely  we  may  become  a  large  exporting  nation 
in  this  commodity.  Taking  this  view  of  the  subject,  all 
those  who  may  be  attempting  to  improve  this  valuable 
boon  may  be  considered  as  public  benefactors,  and  we  in- 
troduce what  experience  we  possess  for  the  guidance  of 
those  who  have  not  investigated  the  subject. 


140  THE   GRAPE. 

Physiological  theory  teaches,  and  practical  experience 
proves  to  us,  that  the  progeny  of  a  plant,  the  flowers  of 
which  have  heen  fertilized  by  another,  is  more  likely  to 
retain  the  constitution  and  habit  of  the  maternal  side, 
while  any  peculiarities  as  to  flower  and  fruits  of  the  father 
are  introduced  into  the  same  body  :  consequently,  the 
native  kind  should  be  fertilized  by  the  pollen  of  the  exotic, 
when  a  hardy  vine  would  most  probably  be  the  product, 
with  an  approach  to  the  fruit  of  the  foreign  sort.  So  de- 
cided is  this  fact,  that  the  operator  may  predict  tolerably 
closely  what  the  result  will  be  ;  and  it  is  as  sure  as  a 
demonstrated  fact,  that  we  can  produce,  by  care  and  per- 
severance, by  this  course,  a  tribe  of  grapes  suitable  for 
every  purpose  of  the  vigneron,  and  also  satisfactory  to  the 
palate  of  the  most  fastidious  epicure. 

For  producing  a  fine  table  grape,  perhaps  no  better 
varieties  can  be  chosen  than  Isabella,  or  Concord,  fertilized 
with  Black  Hamburgh,  for  a  black;  and  Diana,  crossed 
with  Chasselas  Fontainebleau,  for  a  light-colored  class. 
For  this  purpose,  it  is  not  advisable  to  make  use  of  the 
Frontignans,  or  Muscats,  for  the  natives  have  already  too 
much  of  the  musky  flavor,  and  by  introducing  the  sweet- 
ness of  the  Hamburgh  and  Chasselas,  we  shall  be  most 
likely  to  produce  a  Muscat  flavor,  with  the  size  or  beauty 
of  berry,  and  form  of  bunch  of  the  two  paternal  kinds. 
Beside  the  production  of  a  fine  class  of  grapes  for  dessert, 
this  is  likely  to  lead  to  a  quality  most  suitable  for  the 
sweeter  and  mild-tasted  wines ;  but  for  those  of  rougher 
and  fuller  flavor,  the  probability  is  that  the  Frontignans 
would  answer  the  purpose  better.  This  is,  however,  only 
conjecture,  and  must  be  left  to  futurity  for  proof.  To 
insure  success,  some  care  and  attention  is  necessary ;  more 
will  be  accomplished  with  these,  from  a  dozen  seedlings, 
than  by  a  thousand  without  it.  The  plants  to  be  operated 


PROPAGATION   AND   RAISING.  141 

upon  should  be  in  robust  health,  neither  having  at  any 
time  shown  symptoms  of  mildew,  and  the  flowers  of  both 
selected  from  fine  and  well-formed  bunches.  The  opera- 
tion of  fertilizing  is  also  a  delicate  one,  and  there  is  some 
difficulty  in  getting  the  two  sorts  to  bloom  at  the  same 
time ;  for  the  exotic  will,  almost  without  exception,  have 
to  be *under  glass;  and  the  native,  on  account  of  producing 
hardiness,  should  be  planted  outside.  A  temporary  glass 
frame  to  forward  the  latter  would  be  of  service,  and  the 
former  might  be  retarded  by  excluding  the  light  until  the 
buds  burst,  and  keeping  the  head  down  in  a  cold  house. 
The  most  convenient  and  certain  way  is  to  treat  one  or 
more  plants  of  the  native  kinds  as  advised  for  pot  culture, 
and,  when  the  plants  are  strong  enough,  to  introduce  them 
into  a  Cold  Grapery  early  in  the  season,  so  as  to  have 
them  in  blossom  as  near  as  possible  to  the  time  of  the 
others  which  are  in  the  same  apartment ;  and  if  attention 
be  paid  to  the  applying  of  liquid  manure,  there  will  not 
need  be  any  doubt  of  the  fruit  lacking  nourishment. 
When  the  hardy  sort  begins  to  open  its  flowers,  the  sta- 
mens should  be  immediately  cut  out,  and  the  stigma  fer- 
tilized by  the  pollen  from  the  anthers  of  the  exotic;  indeed 
it  is  necessary,  if  the  greatest  surety  is  intended,  that  the 
corolla  (which  fits  like  a  little  cap  over  the  parts,  and  rolls 
up  from  the  bottom,  instead  of,  as  in  most  flowers,  expand- 
ing at  the  top)  should  be  carefully  removed  before  its 
natural  liberation,  for  the  anthers  generally  burst  just  pre- 
vious to  being  exposed ;  and  as  they  encircle  the  stigma, 
and  are  immediately  over  it,  impregnation  may  have  then 
taken  place,  which  will  most  likely  frustrate  all  hopes;  for 
any  hermaphrodite  plant,  providing  all  the  sexual  organs 
are  perfect,  will  be  more  readily  fertilized  by  its  own  than 
another's  pollen.  While  the  mother  plant  is  in  bloom,  care 
must  be  taken  to  keep  off  insects.  This  may  be  done,  by 


142  THE    GRAPE. 

tying  a  fine  net-work  bag  over  the  bunch,  and,  if  there  be 
a  suitable  place  on  the  premises  for  its  healthy  action,  the. 
vine  ought  to  be  removed  away  from  any  other  plant  of 
the  same  family  which  may  be  in  bloom  at  the  same  time, 
for  the  pollen  is  a  very  subtle  substance,  and  a  proximity 
to  others  might  destroy  all  success. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 
DISEASES. 

MILDEW. — Nearly  all  attempts  to  cultivate  the  exotic 
grape-vine  in  the  open  air,  in  the  United  States,  have 
ended  in  total  failure  and  disappointment.  In  a  few  soli- 
tary instances,  and  under  peculiar  circumstances,  where 
the  excessive  changes  have  been  counteracted  by  shelter 
or  otherwise,  a  partial  success  has  been  obtained,  but  the 
climate  of  the  whole  eastern  and  middle  parts  of  the  Union, 
is  too  variable  for  its  easily  checked,  though  vigorous 
constitution,  and  by  which  the  vital  energy  is  impaired  at 
the  time  of  greatest  activity — when  mildew  in  its  various 
forms  completes  the  works  of  destruction.  This  mildew 
is  the  growth  of  fungoid  vegetation,  the  seeds  of  which 
are  so  small  in  many  kinds  as  to  be  invisible  to  the  naked 
eye.  There  are  two  kinds  which  are  most  troublesome  to 
the  grape-vine — one,  which  we  presume  to  be  the  Oidium 
Tuckeri,  that  is  at  present  devastating  the  vineyards  of 
Europe ;  and  the  other  a  Botryiis,  or  some  analogous 
genus.  The  first  indication  of  the  former  is  shown  by 
the  leaves  having  brown  spots  upon  them,  and  which 
permeate  quite  through  the  tissue.  Afterwards,"  are  seen 
small  white  patches  of  the  soft  and  delicate  fungus  at- 
tached to  the  under  side  of  the  leaf,  and  which,  if  not 
speedily  destroyed,  will  soon  extend  to  the  fruit  stalks, 
penetrate  to  the  berries  by  the  rhizoma  -or  spawn,  and 
make  them  in  appearance  like  a  diseased  potato  in  the 
first  stage  of  infection,  stopping  their  growth,  and  render- 

(14S) 


144  THE   GRAPE. 

ing  them  useless ;  the  leaves  also  will  fall  off  after  a  short 
time,  and  the  whole  plant  become  seriously  injured. 
These  white  patches  are  the  fructification  of  the  parasite ; 
when  viewed  under  the  microscope,  there  is  exhibited  a 
multitudinous  congregation  of  little  mushroom-looking  sub- 
stances, and  if  suddenly  jerked,  the  tiny  sporules  may  be 
seen  detached,  and  floating  in  the  atmosphere,  so  minute 
and  subtle,  and  in  such  countless  numbers,  that  it  is  not 
unreasonable  to  suppose  (beside  the  immediate  develop- 
ment and  rapid  vegetation  of  thousands  of  them  under 
favorable  influences)  many  are  absorbed  by  the  stomata  or 
breathing  pores  on  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves,  and 
conveyed  into  the  interior,  simply  by  the  descending 
movement  of  the  elaborated  sap,  which  is  afterwards  con- 
verted into  woody-fibre,  and  in  its  turn  becomes  the 
organized  medium  by  which  the  ascending  sap,  in  the  fol- 
lowing spring,  flows  with  greater  velocity  to  the  unfolding 
leaves.  The  secreted  sporules  may  then  be  re-conducted 
upwards,  and  conveyed  onwards  to  the  foilage,  and  there 
remain  dormant,  until  the  favorable  circumstances  occur 
for  their  germination,  when  they  spring  into  renewed  life, 
and  speedily  produce  another  crop  of  seeds  for  a  future 
generation.  This  kind  of  mildew  seldom  does  any  mis- 
chief after  the  growth  approaches  towards  ripeness,  or  the 
fruit  is  in  the  last  swell,  and  as  it  generally  begins  to 
appear  about  the  early  part  of  July,  during  damp  and 
close  weather,  those  plants  which  have  been  more  or  less 
forwarded  by  artificial  heat  are  almost  free  from  its  attacks ; 
but  in  the  Cold  Grapery  or  Retarding  House  we  should  be 
on  our  guard,  and  when  storms  or  damp  weather  occurs, 
strew  sulphur  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  in  the  proportion 
of  one  pound  t6  each  fifteen  or  twenty  square-yards,  and 
withhold  water  for  the  time  being,  keeping  the  house  quite 
close,  if  cloudy,  and  allowing  the  temperature  to  rise  some- 


DISEASES.  145 

what  higher  for  two  or  three  days.  This  will  cause  the 
sulphur  to  throw  off  fumes,  which  are  readily  perceptible 
to  the  smell,  and  will  check  the  further  progress  of  the 
past  if  present,  or  prevent  its  appearance  if  not  so.  We 
have  used  all  the  supposed  remedies  that  we  could  collect 
a  knowledge  of,  by  way  of  experiment,  without  being 
able  to  discover  anything  more  than  temporary  relief, 
while  the  fumes  of  sulphur,  as  above  recommended,  have 
never  failed  to  immediately  check,  and  if  water  be  with- 
held during  the  continuance,  to  finally  overcome  it.  There 
need  be  no  fear  of  sulphur  doing  liarm  to  the  foliage ;  so 
long  as  ignition  does  net  take  place,  it  may  be  used  with 
confidence.  Herein  lies  the  secret.  If  allowed  to  burn, 
chemical  action  goes  on,  and  sulphurous  acid  is  produced, 
which  in  its  then  gaseous  form  will  speedily  destroy  all 
foliage  with*  which  it  comes  in  contact. 

The  other  kind  (Boirytis  ?)  appears  like  a  fine  and 
delicate  hoary  mouldiness,  and  vegetates  along  the  young 
wood  and  tender  growth  of  the  stem,  the  leaf  stalks,  over 
the  surface  of  the  berries,  and  upper  side  of  the  leaves  ; 
enveloping  and  covering  the  parts  so  as  to  prevent  the 
further  progress  of  the  fruit,  cause  the  leaves  to  fall,  and 
the  branches  to  cease  growing.  It  is  not,  as  in  the 
previous  example,  confined  to  late  crops,  but  will  attack 
those  started  early  also,  and  is  often  most  prevalent  when 
too  dry  and  cold  a  temperature  has  been  allowed,  more 
particularly  if  a  strong  moist  heat  has  been  previously 
kept  up ;  cold  drafts  will  increase  the  tendency — hence 
great  caution  is  necessary  in  ventilating,  or  the  producing 
of  that  atmospheric  peculiarity  which  takes  place  when 
the  moisture  that  is  in  solution  in  the  atmosphere  becomes 
condensed  by  a  sudden  transition  to  a  lower  temperature. 
Observation  will  show  that  those  forms  of  fungus  which  at- 
tack peas,  gooseberries,  &c. — and  the  kind  now  spoken  of  is 
7 


146  THE   GRAPE. 

similiar  in  structure,  if  not  positively  of  the  same  genus — 
are  most  prevalent  when  a  slow  steady  under  current  of 
dry  air  is  passing  in  hot  weather,  which,  by  exciting  to 
an  extraordinary  degree  of  evaporation,  leaves  a  damp 
clamminess  upon  the  surface  of  all  plants  by  drawing  out  a 
portion  of  their  collected  juices,  which  then  becomes  food 
for  the  sporules  to  vegetate  upon.  This  may  be  considered 
somewhat  similar  to  the  bottom  draft  in  a  hot-house — a 
very  different  thing,  by  the  way,  to  a  healthy  and  free 
ventilation  overhead,  where  the  air  is  made  to  circulate 
evenly  over  the  whole  cubic  bulk,  without  that  continual 
stream  from  small  apertures  below.  In  our  present  case, 
moisture  combined  with  heat  will  counteract  the  fungus, 
and  it  may  be  effectually  got  rid  of  by  syringing  with 
water,  in  which  a  portion  of  sulphur  is  mixed;  one  pound 
of  the  latter  will  be  enough  for  ten  or  fifteen  gallons  of  the 
former.  If  the  fruit  be  approaching  to  maturity,  this  kind 
of  application  will  disfigure  it,  and  the  same  purpose  may 
be  as  effectually  gained  by  dusting  a  small  quantity  on 
the  heating  apparatus  where  it  will  not  ignite ;  or  if  a  cold 
house,  by  strewing  it  over  the  floor  in  the  same  quantity 
as  before  advised. 

The  peculiar  circumstances  under  which  "parasitical 
fungoids  luxuriate,  are  wonderfully  dependent  on  the  state 
of  the  atmosphere.  This  is  demonstrated,  not  only  by  the 
different  sorts  of  grape  mildew,  but  in  all  others. 

All  plants  indeed  are  not  alike  susceptible  to  these 
influences.  The  constitution  of  various  plants  may  be  able 
to  withstand  the  effects  of  atmospheric  changes  without 
revulsion  or  excessive  flow  of  the  sap,  and  therefore  they 
will  not  afford  those  precise  requirements  which  favor  the 
germination  of  the  fungi.  But  as  a  general  rule  like  causes 
produce  like  effects. 

It  follows,  then,  if  the  above  observations  are  correct, 


DISEASES.  147 

that  the  main  preventive  of  mildew  is  to  keep  the  plants 
in  a  steady  and  healthy  action,  not  only  by  supplying  a 
due  proportion  of  food  moisture  and  heat  according  to  their 
constitutional  requirements,  but  by  preventing  sudden 
changes  in  the  atmosphere  with  which  they  are  sur<- 
rounded,  and  particularly  avoiding  cold  drafts  in  the  lower 
parts  of  the  house.  Heat  accelerates  the  circulation,  and 
if  the  whole  bulk  of  the  air  is  uniformly  heated,  the  circu- 
lation will  be  equal  in  its  action  and  distribution  in  every 
part  of  the  plant. 

In  our  practice,  bottom  air  is  not  admitted  until  the  fruit 
begins  to  change  color.  Although  the  above  remarks  may 
not  harmonize  with  the  opinions  of  others,  an  extensive 
experience  has  convinced  us  of  their  correctness. 

We  have  then  the  whole  matter  in  a  "  nutshell." 
During  the  time  when  the  vines  are  growing  freely,  keep 
up  a  strong  steady  heat,  avoid  damp  or  cold  drafts,  and 
south  and  east  winds  during  cloudy  weather  or  storms ; 
keep  the  house  closed  in  such  cases: 

Be  careful  that  the  house  is  not  suddenly  heated  up 
when  the  sun  breaks  out,  afterward  regulate  the  moisture 
according  to  the  external  atmosphere.  Close  early  in  the 
evening,  and  open  early  in  the  morning.  Observe  and 
remember  that  to  counteract  the  effects  of  sudden  changes 
in  the  atmosphere  is  the  great  desideratum.  The  best  of 
us  may  sometimes  find  our  utmost  skill  tested,  but  a  per- 
severance in  the  course  here  marked  out  with  close 
attention  will  overcome  all  difficulties,  and  we  will  be 
amply  repaid  for  all  our  trouble. 

Many  think  that  when  mildew  makes  its  appearance 
sulphur  is  the  only  antidote,  without  anything  further  than 
merely  dusting  the  affected  parts,  or  strewing  a  portion 
over  the  floor.  From  our  previous  remarks  it  will  be  seen, 
that  this  will  sometimes  be  sufficient,  but  it  is  not  merely 


148  THE   GRAPE. 

the  immediate  contact,  in  all  cases,  that  produces  the 
remedial  effect.  The  further  spread  of  the  Botrytis  ? 
may  be  arrested  on  particular  spots  where  the  sulphur  is 
applied,  but  it  will  not  suffice  for  the  Oidium,  for  we  have 
seen  it  push  through  a  thick  coating  after  the  application 
had  been  repeated  for  several  days  together,  and  we  would 
more  forcibly  repeat  that  the  fumes  emanating  from  sul- 
phur exposed  to  a  high  temperature,  are  the  only  radical 
cure  that  we  have  yet  discovered. 

There  are  several  other  sorts  of  fungi  which  are  seen  at 
times  in  the  grapery,  but  which  are  not  any  further  de- 
structive than  by  extending  a  mouldiness  to  the  ripe  fruit, 
or  decaying  leaves  or  branches,  which  may  be  prevented 
by  circulating  a  free  current  of  air  through  the  house,  or 
if  that  be  not  practicable,  as  sometimes  happens  with  late 
crops  or  the  Retarding  House,  by  lighting  a  slow  fire,  and 
lifting  the  top  ventilators.  This  will  dry  up  the  moisture, 
and  be  beneficial  to  the  vines,  by  assisting  them  to  ripen 
better.  These  last  mentioned  fungi  may  be  considered  as 
epiphytical,  for  they  feed  upon  a  tendency  to  decay  in  the 
body  upon  which  they  vegetate  ;  while  the  first  and  dan- 
gerous kinds  are  strictly  parasites,  which  germinate  and 
progress  upon  the  living  substance,  and  destroy  the  or- 
ganization of  all  parts  in  their  course. 

Shrivel  and  Shank. — These  two  terms  may  be  considered 
as  one  disease,  only  in  a  more  modified  or  virulent  form. 
The  difference  being,  that  when  a  bunch  of  grapes  is  said 
to  shank,  the  whole  or  a  part  of  it  dies  off;  while  in  shrivel, 
the  footstalks  of  the  berries,  individually,  are  only  at- 
tacked. The  first  stage  is  seen  as  brown  spots  on  one 
side  of  the  stem  of  the  bunch,  or  the  footstalk  of  the  berry, 
and  which,  if  not  cut  away,  soon  encircles  the  whole,  the 
consequence  being  a  certain  stop  to  the  circulation,  and 
worthlessness  to  all  parts  below.  From  the  earliest  time, 


WSEASES.  149 

there  lias  not  been  anything  in  grape  culture  that  has  ex- 
cited more  discussion  than  this  disease,  and  the  most 
eminent  and  best  cultivators  have  come  to  diametrically 
opposite  conclusions,  according  as  it  has  shown  itself  to 
their  individual  observation.  In  some  houses  this  is  the 
greatest  bugbear  that  the  grape  grower  has  to  encounter ; 
for  after  the  anxiety  of  the  season  appears  to  be  past,  and 
he  is  looking  with  pleasing  satisfaction  on  his  success,  his 
hopes  are  suddenly  blighted  by  the  instantaneous  appear- 
ance of  this  pest.  His  crop  is  just  arriving  at  maturity, 
the  berries  are  fast  coloring,  well  swelled  up,  and  to  all 
appearance  safe,  when  upon  close  examination,  they  are 
found  to  have  become  flaccid,  the  footstalks  of  the  berries 
or  a  part  of  the  stems  of  the  bunches  are  turned  brown 
and  withered,  in  consequence  of  which  the  fruit  receives 
no  more  nourishment,  the  carbonizing  action  is  arrested, 
and  the  affected  berries  remain  intensely  sour.  One  find- 
ing that  his  borders  are  not  well  drained,  and  the  roots 
partly  rotted,  and  seeing  no  other  cause,  comes,  and  with 
reason,  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  the  effect  of  this,  and 
in  his  honest  belief  heralds  his  opinion  to  the  world ;  an- 
other takes  an  opposite  inference,  for  his  borders  are  too 
dry  ;  a  third  discovers  that  his  house  is  badly  constructed 
as  regards  the  means  of  ventilation,  or  that  it  is  situated 
too  low,  producing  a  stagnant,  or  unwholesome  damp  at- 
mosphere ;  a  fourth  states  as  positively  that  the  keeping 
of  the  house  closed  too  late  in  the  morning,  and  the  sun's 
rays  striking  directly  upon  the  wet  or  damp  footstalks 
produces  the  disease  ;  a  fifth,  that  it  arises  from  extremes 
of  heat  between  the  roots  and  the  tops ;  a  sixth,  that  sud- 
den changes  of  temperature  in  the  house  are  the  cause,  and 
in  this  way  we  might  go  on  enumerating  opinions  respect- 
ing the  nuisance.  It  is  a  common  saying  that,  "when 
doctors  disagree,  who  is  to  decide ;"  a  very  sensible  ques- 


150  THE   GRAPE. 

tion,  certainly,  in  this  case.  After  careful  study — now  for 
the  last  twenty-five  years — we  are  led  to  believe,  that 
anything  which  arrests,  or  interferes  with  the  healthful 
action  of  the  vine  at  this  particular  stage  will  be  likely  to 
produce  this  disease.  If  we  argue  from  the  analogy 
between  the  animal  and  vegetable  kingdoms,  we  know 
that  as  immediately  before  parturition  there  is  a  very  great 
stress  upon  the  constitution,  requiring  all  the  strength 
with  which  the  animal  is  endowed  to  carry  through 
nature's  action — so  with  plants.  As  proof  of  this,  when 
the  fruit  is  taking  its  last  swell,  the  size  in  many  kinds 
increases  one-third  in  a  very  short  time,  and  in  some 
instances  with  such  rapidity  that  the  tender  skin  is  not 
strong  enough  to  withstand  the  inward  pressure,  but 
bursts  open.  It  is  most  likely  that  the  change  by  chemical 
expansion  has  something  to  do  with  this,  and  if  the  plant 
is  "not  enabled  to  perform  all  its  functions  uninterruptedly, 
the  stalks  of  the  fruit,  which  are  the  conductors  of  the  re- 
quired fluids,  do  not  receive  a  full  supply  of  the  needful 
elements,  but  perish  from  the  extraordinary  demand  that  is 
made  upon  them  for  the  time  being,  for  we  find  them  only 
affected  in  this  particular  manner  at  the  period  mentioned. 
If  this  argument  be  correct,  it  will  be  well,  when  there  is 
a  disposition  toward  the  disease,  for  all  grape-growers  to 
ascertain  where  the  deficiency  is  most  likely  to  be,  and 
remedy  it  accordingly,  without  any  reference  to  dogmati- 
cal opinions. 

In  the  course  of  this  work,  an  endeavor  has  been  made 
to  explain  all  the  necessary  appliances  and  conveniences 
required  for  successful  grape  culture,  and  as  in  our  own 
practice  we  are  very  little  troubled  in  this  respect,  the 
advice  is  given  with  some  confidence,  and  a  belief  that  if 
fully  carried  out  the  same  results  will  accompany  the 
operations  of  others.  When  the  injury  is  done,  the  only 


DISEASES.  151 

alternative  that  remains  is  to  cut  away  the  parts  injured, 
and  remove  them  immediately  from  the  house,  and  insure 
the  prevention  of  any  contamination  to  those  which  are 
healthy. 

Dry  Ret  in  the  Roots.  The  upper  indications  of  this 
disease  are  flaccidity,  and  deficiency  of  solidity,  accom- 
panied by  a  sickly  yellowish  color  of  the  foliage,  weak 
growth  of  the  branches  and  paucity  of  fruit ;  a  prolonged 
increase  of  the  malady  will  at  length  cause  the  vine  to  die, 
and  that  most  commonly  about  the  time  when  the  berries 
are  half  grown.  All  this  arises  from  the  want  of  nourish- 
ment from  the  roots,  which,  if  examined,  will  be  found  to 
be  rotted,  and  often  covered  by  a  mouldiness  or  fungus. 
There  is  no  doubt  but  the  primitive  cause  of  this  affection 
is  a  check  to  constitutional  vigor ;  and  extremely  close 
summer  pruning  has  much  to  do  with  it,  as  it  prevents 
the  plant  from  equalizing  its  expansive  and  centralizing 
powers,  thereby  keeping  up  a  perpetual  excitement  through 
the  vessels,  which  at  last  brings  on  an  enfeebled  condition. 
When  a  vine  becomes  affected  in  this  way  the  best  plan 
is  to  take  it  out,  renew  the  soil  in  the  immediate  vicinity, 
and  afterwards  plant  another  in  the  same  place,  for  it  is 
seldom  that  the  diseased  one  does  any  more  good. 

The  roots  sometimes  become  rotted  from  other  causes, 
such  as  being  too  deep  under  the  surface,  or  when  the 
borders  are  very  retentive  of  moisture,  or  composed  of 
over-much  undecomposed  materials,  &c.  For  this  there 
is  a  remedy  if  taken  in  time,  and  the  best  thing  to  be  done 
is  to  thoroughly  drain,  if  that  only  is  the  mischief,  but  if 
it  be  from  the  other  sources  mentioned,  the  roots  will  re- 
quire to  be  lifted,  and  the  operation  needs  great  care ;  so 
soon  as  the  leaves  fall,  proceed  to  uncover  them;  trace 
each  one,  and  as  they  are  respectively  liberated  lay  them 
in  a.straight  length  until  all  are  secured,  after  which  they 


152  THE   GRAPE. 

ought  to  be  wrapped  in  a  damp  mat  or  cloth,  the  border 
thoroughly  trenched  over,  and  a  thin  layer  of  good  turfy 
loam  put  on  the  top,  when  the  roots  may  be  again  spread 
over  the  surface ;  all  the  decayed  parts  cut  away  with  a 
sharp  knife,  and  covered  by  four  or  five  inches  of  the 
same  kind  of  earth  that  was  put  under  them.  Care  must 
be  taken  however  before  winter  sets  in,  that  a  good  layer 
of  tree  leaVes,  or  weak  littery  dung  be  spread  over,  to  keep 
out  the  frost.  There  have  been  many  examples,  when 
this  has  been  skilfully  attended  to,  where  a  stock  of  vines 
have  been  entirely  rejuvenated,  that  were  previously 
worthless  and  thought  to  be  worn  out,  but  which  have 
afterwards  borne  good  crops  of  fine  fruit  for  many  years. 
It  is  necessary  to  give  a  partial  shade  in  the  early  part  of 
the  following  summer,  or  until  the  leaves  get  pretty  well 
expanded,  and  it  is  better  not  to  let  them  carry  much,  if 
any,  fruit  during  the  first  year  after  the  operation.  Cloudy 
or  damp  weather  is  the  best  time  for  removing,  and 
the  roots  should  be  as  little  time  as  possible  out  of  the 
ground. 

Rot  in  the  Fruit. — This  has  of  late  years  caused  con- 
siderable loss  in  the  cultivation  of  vineyards.  It  generally 
shows  itself  at  the  time  when  the  fruit  begins  to  "  stone," 
after  continued  wet  weather,  followed  by  bright  sunshine, 
when  the  berries  become  discolored  and  fall  off.  All  the 
symptoms  of  this  disease  go  to  prove  that  it  is  the  result 
of  the  plants  imbibing  too  much  moisture  at  the  time  when 
nature  could  better  do  with  a  reduction  of  it,  for  the  grape- 
vine at  this  stage  of  growth  would  be  considerably  bene- 
fited if  no  rain  were  to  fall  during  the  after  part  of  the 
season.  Seeing  this  to  be  the  case,  we  ought,  so  far  as 
circumstances  will  allow,  to  try  and  remedy  the  evil  by 
the  choosing  of  a  situation  that  is  open  and  airy,  but  not 
exposed  to  the  violence  of  storms — a  free  porous  subsoil, 


DISEASES.  153 

or  efficient  drainage  ;  thorough  and  deep  trenching  or  sub- 
soil plowing,  and  not  over-close  planting,  so  that  the  air 
may  pass  freely  between  and  among  the  plants,  in  order 
the  better  to  drive  off  all  superabundant  atmospheric 
moisture,  and  also  enable  the  plants  to  exhale  the  over- 
plus fluids  with  "which,  at  such  times,  they  are  surcharged. 
For  the  same  reason,  where  the  vines  are  trained  over 
arbors,  or  on  trellises,  the  branches  ought  not  to  be  too 
close,  or  the  summer  growth  to  become  crowded.  This 
object  is  not  to  be  gained,  however,  by  plucking  off  the 
leaves  as  some  persons  very  ignorantly  do,  but  by  atten- 
tive disbudding  of  all  those  shoots  that  will  not  be  actually 
wanted,  in  the  early  part  of  the  season,  or  so  soon  as  it 
can  be  plainly  seen  which  branches  will  produce  the  finest 
fruit,  and  by  laying  them  in,  at  pruning  time,  sufficiently 
distant — eighteen  inches  is  near  enough.  In  the  grapery 
we  are  not  much  troubled  by  this  nuisance,  except  in 
damp,  ill-ventilated,  or  badly-glazed  houses,  which  is  an- 
other proof  that  the  cause  is  an  excess  of  moisture,  for  it 
is  a  common  practice,  when  the  fruit  begins  to  color,  to 
use  very  little  or  no  water  in  any  form,  consequently  at 
the  critical  period  the  grapes  are  in  a  drier  atmosphere 
and  the  absorbing  foliage  is  prevented  from  inhaling  any 
more  moisture  than  is  necessary  to  suppport  health. 
Where  the  vines  are  planted  and  the  fruit  is  found  to  be 
subject  to  the  affection,  it  will  be  well  to  drain  deeply 
between  the  rows  in  the  fall,  and  when  the  ground  is 
forked  over  to  apply  a  good  dressing  of  fresh  powdered 
lime  ;  indeed  a  very  confident  opinion  will  not  be  much 
hazarded  by  stating,  that  a  well  drained  calcareous  soil,  in 
an  airy  but  not  exposed  situation,  would  be  sure  to  give 
grapes  nearly,  if  not  quite  free  from  rot. 

Spot. — The  spot,  although  by  some  pe'rsons  confounded 
with  the  preceding  disease,  is  certainly  a  different  thing  ; 

7* 


154-  THE   GRAPE. 

it  is  not  so  injurious,  as  the  berries  only  become  marked 
by  a  black  spot  on  the  surface,  (but  which  penetrates 
through  the  skin),  and  remains  on  the  vine  to  ripen ;  the 
quality,  however,  is  considerably  deteriorated,  for  it  con- 
tinues to  be  a  '•  spot"  to  the  last,  and  gives  a  bitter  taste 
to  the  flavor,  not  only  for  table  use,  but  also  to  the  wine 
which  may  be  made  from  the  affected  fruit.  After  some 
years  of  careful  watching  for  the  cause  of  this,  we  are  led 
to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  produced  by  the  direct  striking 
of  the  heat  of  a  midsummer  sun  immediately  upon  the 
berries,  after  heavy  rain,  the  individual  drops  of  which 
fall  with  great  force,  and  knock  clear  off  a  spot  of  the 
"  bloom"  or  farina  that  the  berries  are  covered  with,  and 
which,  no  doubt,  is  a  protection  against  its  intensity, 
thereby  leaving  the  tender  cuticle  exposed,  and  subject  to 
be  more  readily  acted  upon,  just  the  same  as  the  concen- 
trated focus  of  a  burning  glass,  on  a  previously  covered 
and  delicate  skin  would  be,  if  it  were  to  be  acted  upon  in 
the  same  way.  With  this  paralizing  action  upon  the  par- 
ticular parts,  they  are  more  easily  attacked  by  a  fungus, 
which,  when  once  it  becomes  established,  will  progress  so 
long  as  the  same  weather  continues,  and  hence  is  ex- 
plained how  the  disease  increases  with  a  similarity  of  cir- 
cumstances, and  likewise  the  cause  of  its  cessation. 

There  are  several  trifling  matters  connected  with  the 
subject,  which  may  not  be  considered  as  disease,  that  may 
be  traced  to  some  of  the  causes  previously  mentioned, 
but  which  if  carefully  observed  may  be  remedied  in  time, 
without  permanent  injury;  and  in  connection  with  this  it 
may  be  mentioned,  that  although  it  has  been  recommended 
to  keep  up  a  moist  atmosphere  with  repeated  syringing,  it 
is  by  no  means  to  be  inferred  that  it  is  intended  to  water 
overhead  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  or  yet  in  the  morning 
unless  very  early.  In  such  a  climate  of  "  grey  sunlight" 


DISEASES.  155 

as  that  of  England,  there  will  not  be  much  harm  done  by 
such  a  practice ;  but  with  our  "  bright  and  sunny  skies," 
the  same  practice  will  lead  to  scald  and  to  brown  spots  on 
the  tender  bark  and  under  side  of  the  young  leaves, 
thereby  interrupting,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  luxuriant 
and  free  development,  and  sometimes  will  entirely  check 
the  elongation  of  the  branches,  which  causes  a  revulsion 
of  the  sap,  and,  of  course,  injury  to-  the  whole  body. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
INSECTS,  AND   HOW   TO  DESTROY  THEM. 

WHERE  the  treatment  described  in  the  foregoing  pages 
has  been  adhered  to,  there  will  be  little  trouble  with  in- 
sects in  the  late  grapery,  but  in  early  forced  houses,  with 
the  most  careful  watchfulness,  they  sometimes  make  their 
appearance  during  the  middle  and  after  part  of  summer ; 
also  in  the  vineyard  and  all  out-door  culture  of  the  grape, 
either  one  kind  or  other  will,  at  times,  commit  great  rav- 
ages, or  do  much  mischief  if  they  be  not  speedily  de- 
stroyed ;  and  "  prevention  is  better  than  cure,"  was  never 
more  apropos  than  in  this  case,  for  if  a  plant  of  any  kind 
is  suffered  to  remain  infested  with  these  pests,  you  may 
bid  good-bye  to  health  or  productiveness.  Therefore  be 
on  the  look  out,  and  when  the  enemy  shows  his  advance 
guard,  rest  assured  that  if  not  speedily  routed,  a  numer- 
ous army  will  follow.  Attack  his  outposts,  carry  war 
into  his  centre,  destroy  his  flank  and  rear,  and  completely 
annihilate  him,  or  you  will  find  that  he  will  continue  to 
give  annoyance.  Give  him  no  quarter,  for  he  keeps  no 
truce,  and  so  long  as  he  has  one  helpmate  of  the  opposite 
sex,  he  will  persevere  in  bringing  up  his  myriads  of  off- 
spring, which  are  soon  ready  for  active  operation  and 
renewed  destruction. 

The  insects  which  attack  our  present  subject,  are  red 
spider  (acarus,)  several  species  of  coccus,  as  brown  tur- 
tle, and  white  scaly  bug,  mealy  bug,  brown  and  white 

(156) 


INSECTS.  157 

tortoise-shell  scale,  black  and  green  fly,  (aphis,)  thrips, 
fretters  (cycadce,)  three  or  four  kinds  of  beetles,  as  the 
rose  bug,  cockchafer,  &c.,  and  occasionally  the  caterpil- 
lars of  some  moths. 

The  red  spider  is  a  very  small,  dark  red  insect,  almost 
invisible  to  the  naked  eye,  which  locates  on  the  under 
side  of  the  leaves ;  it  delights  in  a  dry,  hot  atmosphere, 
and  if  left  long  unmolested,  will  spread  over  the  whole 
house,  spinning  a  delicate  network,  among  which  it 
travels  with  the  greatest  facility,  feeding  upon,  poisoning, 
and  disfiguring  the  plant.  It  may  be  destroyed  by  syring- 
ing and  a  damp  air,  and  can  be  completely  eradicated 
by  the  use  of  sulphur,  used  as  advised  for  mildew.  Indeed 
it  is  doubtful  if  it  will  exist  at  all  if  sulphur  be  exposed 
occasionally  to  a  high  temperature,  without  being  ignited. 
The  writer  applies  it  at  times  in  his  plant  houses,  and  is 
never  troubled  with  either  red  spider  or  mildew ;  even 
among  roses  when  forcing  in  the  winter,  and  the  only 
trouble  is,  to  sprinkle  a  small  quantity  over  the  hot  water 
pipes,  or  coolest  end  of  the  flues,  three  or  four  times  during 
the  season.  If  proper  use  be  made  of  the  syringe,  the 
sulphur  will  not  always  be  required,  but  when  applied  it 
answers  the  double  purpose  of  preventing  the  spread  of 
both  red  spider  and  mildew. 

The  different  species  of  scaly  and  mtaly  bugs  may  be' 
destroyed  by  the  preparation  recommended  for  the  vines 
as  the  wash  to  be  used  in  the  fall,  page  65.  The  scales 
generally  adhere  to  the  bark,  and  the  brown  ones  are 
often  so  near  the  color  of  it  as  to  require  a  close  look  to 
see  them  ;  here  they  stick,  sucking  the  juices,  and  ejecting 
their  sugary  excrescence,  which  spreads  over  the  leaves, 
and  stops  up  the  breathing  pores.  The  mealy  bug  is  to  be 
found  in  the  crevices  between  the  bark,  in  the  joints,  and 
among  the  bunches,  in  the  form  of  little  cottony-looking 


158  THE   GRAPE. 

substances,  In  which  case  it  should  be  taken  out  with  a 
small  brush  or  pointed  stick,  for  if  left  in  its  lurking 
places,  the  bunches  among  which  it  is  located  will  be 
disfigured  and  too  dirty  for  use.  The  tortoise-shell  scale  is 
more  solitary  in  habits,  and  in  appearance  like  a  small  tor- 
toise-shell ;  it  is  to  be  found  in  the  same  places  as  the 
brown  scale,  lives  upon  the  juices  of  the  vine,  and  can  be 
destroyed  by  the  same  means.  Aphidae,  or  green  and 
black  fly,  are  small  insects,  sluggish  in  movement,  having 
prominent  antennae,  a  large  abdomen,  and  a  long  probos- 
cis, with  which  they  pierce  the  cuticle  of  the  tender  shoots, 
and  draw  out  the  sap,  which  quickly  brings  decrepitude 
into  the  advancing  extremities.  They  are  viviparous  and 
gregarious,  and  increase  amazingly  fast. 

Thrips  are  small,  active,  linear-shaped  little  insects, 
which  congregate  on  and  run  over  the  under  surface  of 
the  leaves,  disfiguring  them,  and  eating  the  epidermis  or 
outer  covering;  and  thefretters  (a  species  of  cycadce)  move 
by  short  flights,  or  rather  jumps  when  disturbed  ;  they 
are  somewhat  linear  and  triangular  in  form,  small,  and  of 
a  palish  yellow  color,  and  like  the  last  they  feed  on  the 
outer  covering  of  the  leaves.  All  the  last  three  varieties 
can  be  destroyed  by  fumigating  with  tobacco,  but  care 
should  be  used  in  the  operation,  so  as  not  to  apply  too 
much  while  the  leaves  are  young  and  tender,  for  in  that 
state  they  are  soon  injured. 

The  rose  bug  is  a  lightish  brown  little  beetle,  with  a 
small  head,  and  long  proboscis.  In  some  parts  of  the 
country  it  is  very  destructive  to  hardy  grape-vines,  before 
and  about  the  time  of  blossoming.  It  congregates  through 
the  day-time  often  in  great  numbers,  and  eats  the  tender 
flower  stems,  thus  destroying  all  future  prospects  for 
the  season.  The  most  effectual  way  of  keeping  this  trou- 
blesome customer  in  check,  is  by  hand-picking,  at  inter- 


INSECTS.  159 

vals  through  the  day,  more  particularly  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, for  although  it  may  be  caught  at  any  time  when  at 
rest  upon  a  plant,  it  is  more  sluggish  before  the  heat  of  the 
day  commences.  Being  only  the  visitor  of  a  period,  annu- 
ally, a  careful  watching  for  three  or  four  weeks  is  requi- 
site at  this  time,  after  which  it  disappears,  and  is  no  more 
trouble.  The  cockchafer  beetles  are  larger,  more  oval  in 
form  than  the  foregoing,  and  of  several  colors ;  they  attack 
the  leaves  and  young  shoots  through  the  season,  but  are 
not  so  destructive.  The  same  process  (hand-picking)  will 
have  to  be  resorted  to  for  their  destruction.  There  are 
also  several  kinds  of  the  larvae  of  humming  bird  moths 
that  occasionally  feed  upon  the  young  stems,  and  edges  of 
the  leaves,  and  which,  being  so  near  the  color  of  the  parts 
they  feed  upon,  and  cylindrical  in  form,  are  somewhat  dif- 
ficult to  find  ;  consequently  when  it  is  seen  that  injury  is 
being  done,  a  sharp  look-out  ought  to  be  practised,  and  a 
quick  eye  will  soon  get  accustomed  to  the  detection  of 
these,  and  any  other  kind  of  caterpillars  that  occasionally 
may  be  annoying.  And  here  we  may  state  that  the  best 
advice  which  can  be  given  in  this  matter  in  a  general  way 
is,  to  remember  the  old  saying,  that  a  "stitch  in  time 
saves  nine ;"  and  if  we  do  not  wish  to  cultivate  our  de- 
structive propensities,  by  having  to  destroy  an  immensity 
in  number  of  God's  links  in  creation,  we  ought  to  have  a 
benevolent  feeling,  and  recollect  that  the  earliest  and  first 
onslaught  upon  the  precocious  subject  will  render  un- 
necessary the  putting  to  death  of  countless  myriads  after- 
ward, each  of  which,  in  the  true  sense  of  reason,  has  as 
good  a  right  to  live  as  ourselves. 

With  regard  to  the  grapery  under  glass,  if  the  insect 
world  is  "  legion,"  and  the  generations  quick  in  succession, 
they  are  easily  kept  down,  and  nothing  but  gross  negli- 
gence or  ignorance  will  permit  them  to  get  ahead.  Use 


160  THE  GRAPE. 

water  freely  during  the  earlier  periods  of  growth,  drive  it 
into  all  crevices  of  the  house,  and  judiciously  over  the 
vines,  and  you  may  generally  defy  all  the  host  of  them. 
If  after  the  fruit  begins  to  ripen  they  should  make  an 
attack,  the  sulphur  and  tobacco  may  be  applied  as  recom- 
mended, when  their  comparatively  small  numbers  will  be 
speedily  put  to  the  rout. 


CHAPTER   XV. 

THE    VINEYARD,   AND     OUT-DOOR 
CULTURE. 

So  far,  the  grape-vine  has  been  treated  of  in  a  general 
way,  as  regards  the  natural  disposition  of  the  various  kinds 
in  cultivation.  The  practical  details  also  are  more  par- 
ticularly explained  for  the  treatment  of  the  exotics,  but 
to  make  a  clean  breast  of  our  present  business,  there  is 
required  some  more  notice  of  the  natives,  and  out-door 
culture.  If  we  could  be  satisfied  with  a  stand-still  position 
the  thing  might  remain  as  it  is,  for  almost  everybody  who 
has  a  yard  of  land  thinks  of  a  grape-vine;  and  yet  a 
greater  number  know  how  to  grow  grapes,  if  we  are  to 
believe  the  many  metaphysical  conversations  that  often 
take  place.  The  fact  is,  that  all  the  species  and  varieties 
will  more  or  less  prosper  with  almost  any  kind  of  treat- 
ment, providing  they  be  in  a  suitable  climate ;  but  this 
does  not  argue  against  the  best  cultivation,  and  there  is 
little  fear  of  contradiction  when  the  statement  is  made  that 
skill  and  care  will  be  as  amply  repaid  with  any  or  all  of 
the  kinds.  It  matters  not  whether  for  wine  or  table  use, 
this  still  holds  good,  and  the  only  difference  is  in  what  is 
required.  If,  for  instance,  the  produce  be  intended  for 
wine,  it  will  be  necessary  to  combine,  as  much  as  possible, 
those  peculiar  characteristics  which  the  best  samples  are 
found  to  possess,  and  in  such  case  it  is  not  advisable  to  in- 
troduce too  much  stimulating  matter  to  the  roots,  but  let 
nature  have  her  way,  with  help  directed  towards  her  own 

(161) 


162  THE   GRAPE. 

course,  and  still  further  to  make  use  of  those  varieties  that 
contain  within  their  original  structure  more  than  usual  of 
those  ingredients  which  are  suitable  for  the  purpose.  Now 
generally,  with  due  maturity,  there  is  enough  of  the  car- 
bonaceous property,  that  can,  by  the  plant's  own  action, 
be  converted  into  sugar,  and  of  course  by  proper  fermenta- 
tion a  sufficient  proportion  of  the  alcoholic  principle  may 
be  obtained ;  but  this  does  not  give  the  particular  nor  yet 
the  varied  aroma  for  which  some  wines  are  so  prized.  Too 
much  eneouragament  to  the  production  of  exterior  develop- 
ment delays  the  formation  of  concentrated  sugary  matter, 
and  those  constituent  properties  which  are  derived  from 
hydrogen  and  other  gases,,  that  form  in  the  exact  propor- 
tion those  very  desirable  accompaniments  which  connois- 
seurs delight  in.  Consequently  it  is  easily  seen  that 
moderate  growth,  with  efficient  drainage;  must  be  the  best, 
and  that  as  these  peculiar  properties  are  invariably  more 
highly  concentrated  under  the  influence  of  light  and  free 
air,  ample  space  is  essential  to  vineyard  culture.  Although 
our  country  is  said  to  be  "  the  land  of  the  vine,J'  it  by  no 
means  follows  that  we  may  plant  with  impunity  in  any 
situation,  or  under  any  circumstances,  and  notwithstanding 
it  is  found  that  some  varieties  grow  even  in  swamp  land, 
and  produce  fine  fruit  withal,  when  left  to  ramble  among 
the  branches  and  overtop  the  loftiest  neighboring  trees,  if 
we  try  the  same  in  culture  for  wine  purposes,  it  would  in 
the  greatest  number  of  cases  be  nothing  but  a  miserable 
failure ;  firstly,  on  account  of  deficiency  in  the  quality  of 
fruit ;  and  secondly,  there  would  be  no  certainty  of  it 
becoming  ripe,  from  the  liability  to  the  rot.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  locality  may  be  in  all  respects  suitable,  but  yet 
so  exposed  to  violent  storms,  that  the  foliage  may  be  in- 
jured and  torn  to  the  detriment  of  both  fruit  and  plant, 
and  therefore  such  should  not  be  made  choice  of.  Again, 


VINEYARD   AND   OUT-DOOR   CULTURE).  163 

some  caution  should  be  exercised  with  regard  to  those 
aspects  which  lie  open  to  the  winds  that  bring  with  them 
the  damp  and  fogs  of  summer ;  consequently,  it  is  objec- 
tionable to  choose  a  slope  toward  the  sea.  Each  tract  of 
country  has  its  own  peculiarities,' and  an  acqaintance  with 
the  neighborhood  will  enable  any  observant  mind  to  de- 
cide in  this  particular.  There  is  no  advantage  in  following 
to  the  letter  the  advice  of  those  who,  too  often,  persist  in 
believing  a  south-east  slope  to  be  imperatively  necessary — 
men  who  may  have  prospered  well  enough  in  -their  own 
country  and  climate,  are  sometimes  wedded  to  a  certain 
faith,  and  have  not  always  sufficient  tractability  of  mind 
to  alter  their  practice  or  adapt  it  to  a  difference  of  circum- 
stances. If  we  consider  that  along  the  eastern  shores  the 
damp  air  which  is  brought  from  the  ocean  almost  invariably 
brings  on  a  tendency  to  mildew  and  rot,  it  is  evident  that 
in  such  a  region  it  would  be  much  better  to  adopt  a  spot 
which  is  sheltered  by  higher  ground  on  the  eastern  side. 
At  the  same  time,  a  low  or  moist  situation  should  by  all 
means  be  avoided,  or  one  where  the  air  is  liable  to  be 
stagnant  at  times.  The  next  most  important  item  is  a  dry 
under  base ;  a  rough  rubbly  gravel  subsoil,  with  a  con- 
tinued descent  below,  will  generally  prove  naturally  well- 
drained,  but  in  all  examples  to  the  contrary  it  ought  to  be 
made  so  by  artificial  means. 

Nothing  conduces  more  to  prosperity  than  a  soil  strongly 
impregnated  with  carbonate  of  lime,  or  having  limestone 
rock  beneath.  If  any  body  is  sceptical  in  this,  they  may 
be  easily  convinced  by  referring  to  analysis,  or  more 
simply  by  examining  the  incrustation  left  on  the  edges  of 
the  leaves  after  the  evaporation  of  that  excessive  perspira- 
tion, which  sometimes  takes  place  in  hot  and  cloudy 
weather,  while  the  growth  of  the  plant  is  young.  There 
is  perhaps  no  plant  which  exhibits  more  clearly  than  does 


164  THE   GRAPE. 

the  grape-vine,  the  oft-disputed  fact  that  these  inorganic 
substances  are  really  absorbed.  Here  is  a  plain  proof 
that  they  are,  for  according  to  the  greater  or  less  amount 
of  lime  in  the  soil,  so  will  this  appearance  be  manifest.  It 
is  most  likely,  that  if  all  plants  were  so  situated  as  to  be 
enabled  to  take  up  the  exact  proportions  of  the  various 
elementary  food  required  by  them,  most  of  the  diseases.«to 
which  they  are  subject  would  disappear;  and  certain 
enough  it  is,  that  all  would  be  prevented,  if  we  could  con- 
trol the  elements  to  suit  the  different  stages  of  growth, 
and  adapt  the  light  and  heat  to  all  respective  constitutions. 

In  making  choice  of  a  piece  of  land  for  a  vineyard,  it 
is  not  always  convenient  to  gain  possession  of  the  precise 
spot  which  our  intelligence  would  covet ;  but  if  it  could 
be  done,  and  there  are  many  opportunities  where  it  may 
be,  we  should  accept  an  elevated  table-land,  lying  high 
and  dry  upon  a  limestone  base,  and  screened  from  the 
damp  easterly  and  cold  north  and  north-west  winds  by  a 
distant  range  of  hills,  which  would  protect  without  pro- 
ducing a  confined  atmosphere,  and  give  shelter  against  the 
most  frigid  blasts  of  a  below  zero  temperature. 

We  may  also  take  a  more  philosophical  view  of  the 
method  of  planting  than  is  generally  practised,  and  in- 
stead of  fixing  the  plants  in  the  position  of  so  many  hills 
of  corn,  and  about  the  same  distance  apart,  when  each 
stool  requires  a  stake,  and  the  bearing  cane  has  to  be 
curved  over,  thereby  being  only  half  supported,  we  would 
consider  the  aspect  that  might  have  to  be  dealt  with,  the 
inclination  towards  the  sun's  rays,  and  all  such  matters  as 
would  give  opportunity  for  the  most  prevalent  drying 
winds  to  blow  through  each  row  of  vines,  and  in  addition 
to  expose  the  upper  side  of  the  leaves  as  much  as  possible 
to  the  action  of  the  mid-day  sun,  in  order  the  better  to 
concentrate  true  growth,  and  prepare  the  plants  to  resist 


VINEYARD   AND   OUT-DOOR   CULTURE.  165 

the  violent  and  sudden  changes  of  weather  for  which  our 
climate  is  so  proverbial.  The  following  explanation  will 
perhaps  show  more  clearly  what  is  here  meant.  After 
making  choice  of  a  suitable  soil  and  situation,  and  making 
sure  that  the  subsoil  is  well  drained,  commence  to  trench 
with  the  spade,  or  plough  deeply  the  whole  piece.  If 
the  spade  be  used  and  the  soil  shallow,  this  operation  may 
be  performed  as  follows  :  Take  out  a  trench  at  one  side, 
three  feet  wide  and  one  spit  deep;  wheel  or  cart  this  to 
the  other  end,  then  loosen  up  the  under  soil  another  spit, 
break  it  up  well  and  leave  it  in  the  bottom ;  throw  the 
next  upper  crust  on  the  top  of  this,  and  so  on  until  all  is 
finished.  Where  a  large  extent  is  to  be  cultivated,  it  would 
become  too  expensive  to  trench,  and  the  plough  will  have 
to  do  the  work  ;  in  which  case,  the  subsoil  plough  ought  to 
follow  the  top  loosening.  Where  the  soil  is  equally  good 
the  two  spit  -deep,  the  bottom  may  be  turned  to  the  top  to 
advantage.  Very  little  manure  will  be  needed  if  the  earth 
be  in  good  heart,  and  well  incorporated  with  vegetable 
matter,  but  otherwise  it  is  advisable  to  work  in  at  the 
same  time,  from  ten  to  fifteen  tons  of  decomposed  barn- 
yard dung  to  the  acre ;  and  if  there  be  a  deficiency  of  the 
alkaline  bases,  a  dressing  of  lime  and  wood  ashes  will 
prove  very  beneficial.  Although  the  roots  of  the  grape 
vine,  when  established  delight  in  an  open  turfy  soil,  a 
cross  ploughing  and  harrowing  will  be  required  to  pul- 
verize, sufficiently,  the  soil  before  planting,  and  give  the 
young  fibres  a  better  chance  to  lay  hold  of  it  at  first  start. 
The  work,  also,  ought  to  be  done  during  the  summer  or 
previous  early  fall,  so  as  to  get  into  good  condition  by  the 
time  it  may  be  wanted. 

There  are  many  cultivators  who  think  it  absolutely 
necessary  to  choose  a  side-hill  situation  for  the  vineyard, 
and  it  must  be  admitted  that  such  is  often  the  best,  but 


166  THE   GRAPE. 

there  is  no  reason  why  it  should  be  invariably  accepted  to 
the  entire  exclusion  of  any  other.  However,  where  the 
disposition  leads  that  way,  and  all  the  above-mentioned 
considerations  are  not  to  be  acquired,  it  will  answer  the 
purpose,  and  if  the  slope  be  anything  like  steep,  the  whole 
extent  will  have  to  be  formed  into  terraces.  This  becomes 
more  or  less  expensive  according  to  the  angle  of  ascent. 
It  should  also  be  remembered,  that  on  a  hill-side,  the  cold 
air,  more  particularly  in  the  night,  is  constantly  moving 
along  the  surface,  from  the  top  towards  the  bottom,  there- 
by preventing  that  health-producing  evaporation  of  warmth 
from  the  soil  which  is  obtained  from  the  solar  heat  of  the 
previous  day,  and  causing,  in  our  extreme  climate,  a  con- 
densation of  the  moisture  as  it  radiates  upwards,  which  is 
then  carried  along  towards  the  lowest  level  in  the  form 
of  a  damp  and  cold  draft  among  the  under  parts  of  the 
plants ;  and  it  does  not  require  a  second  thought  to  under- 
stand how  injurious  such  a  circumstance  is  in  all  other 
kinds  of  culture.  No  doubt  many  will  think  that  such 
notions  as  these  are  not  worthy  of  consideration,  but  as 
we  are  being  troubled  with  rot,  mildew,  and  other  hurtful 
affections,  it  is  well  to  guard  against  all  things  that  are 
likely  to  provoke,  or  produce  the  evil,  and  avoid  them 
accordingly.  Arguing  from  the  culture  of  the  grape- 
vine, or  any  other  plant  under  glass,  we  know  that  such 
action  would  bring  on  these  very  diseases;  and  it  is  not  to 
inside  cultivation  alone  that  we  are  at  all  times  dependent 
for  proof,  for  there  now  and  then  happens  an  example 
where  a  plant  is  trained  on  two  aspects,  or  the  head  is  in 
different  positions,  when  one  part  is  quite  free  from  disease, 
while  the  other  is  badly  affected ;  and  it  is  just  possible 
that  these  cold  currents  of  damp  air  is  one  of  the  causes 
of  mischief. 

To  prepare  a  side-hill  for  a  vineyard,  it  will  be  requisite 


VINEYARD   AND   OUT-DOOR   CULTURE.  167 

to  form  terraces  from  the  bottom  upwards,  in  width 
according  to  the  steepness  of  ascent.  If  very  abrupt,  only 
one  row  of  vines  can  be  accommodated  on  each,  but  with 
a  more  gentle  inclination  the  breadth  may  be  sufficient 
for  two  or  even  three  rows.  The  front  will  also  require 
to  be  banked  up  to  render  the  upper  surface  level,  and 
there  is  nothing  more  suitable  for  the  purpose  than  thick 
turfs  of  grass-sod,  fixed  on  the  edges,  inclining  from  the 
perpendicular  towards  the  bank.  Generally  speaking, 
these  sods  may  be  cut  from  the  immediate  surface,  when 
a  portion  of  each  length  to  be  laid  out  will  furnish  enough 
material  for  its  own  front,  and  as  there  is  a  right  and  a 
wrong  in  this  operation,  like  most  other  things,  it  may  be 
of  service  to  show  the  right.  When  a  bank  of  this  charac- 
ter is  made  of  square  sods,  as  seen  in  Fig.  30,  they  are 
subject  to  give  way  during  the  rains  of  the  first  summer, 
from  the  fact  of  there  being  no  mechanical  holdfast.  Fig.  31 

Fig.  30.  Fig.  31. 


shows  how  this  may  be  obviated,  and  the  trouble  or  ex- 
pense of  workmanship  is  the  same  in  both  cases.  The 
way  to  get  these  latter  is,  to  simply  cut  down  a  few  inches 
with  the  spade  in  a  slanting  direction,  by  a  straight  line 
at  equal,  distances,  as  much  as  may  be  wanted,  and  after- 
ward cut  to  the  same  width,  with  the  line  placed  diagon- 
ally to  the  first  cutting,  which  will  give  each  individual 
sod  of  the  right  size  and  form  to  push  together,  by  merely 
reversing  the  bevelled  edge  at  each  rise  on  the  height. 
The  trenching,  plowing,  manuring,  &c.,  will  be  the  same 
in  this  as  the  before-noticed  plan.  The  next  thing  to  be 


168  THE    GRAPE. 

done,  is  the  preparing  of  supports  upon  which  to  train  the 
vines. 

The  most  common  method  of  planting  is,  in  straight 
rows  from  five  to  six  feet  apart,  and  at  right  angles  with 
each  other,  and  to  simply  have  a  pole  to  each  vine  ;  the 
method  of  training  being  the  long  rod,  explained  page 
120.  This  answers  the  purpose  very  well  and  has  be- 
come the  most  customary,  in  part  from  the  introduced 
routine  of  Europe,  and  in  some  measure  as  a  consideration 
of  economy.  As  to  the  latter,  there  may  be  some  saving 
to  the  pocket,  but  unless  there  are  more  than  counter- 
balancing advantages,  there  is  no  use  in  following  old 
customs,  so  long  as  better  ones  can  be  introduced,  and  in 
the  present  case,  an  improvement  may  be  accomplished 
by  cheap  trellises,  which  may  be  made  in  the  following 
manner :  Prepare  a  quantity  of  good  strong  poles  of 
locust,  chestnut,  oak,  or  ash,  seven  feet  six  inches;  point 
and  char  these  three  feet  on  the  lower  end  and  drive 
them  into  the  ground  two  feet  six  inches,  in  rows  six  feet 
apart,  extending  east  and  west,  or  as  near  these  points  as 
may  be  practicable,  and  the  poles  nine  feet  assunder  ;  next 
fix  horizontally  long  narrow  strips  of  wood,  or  straight 
but  thin  saplings,  to  the  uprights,  at  a  distance  of  one  foot ; 
this  will  make  a  substantial  trellis  on  which  to  train  the 
vines,  and  be  far  superior,  with  very  little  more  expense 
than  the  pole-to-one-vine  that  is  so  often  made  use  of.  It 
is  high  time  for  us  to  adopt  a  principle  of  neatness  com- 
bined with  utility,  and  endeavor  to  supersede .  all  such 
primitive  machinery.  If  we  are  to  imitate,  let  it  not  be  a 
retrograde  movement,  but  onward  progress ;  and  a  still 
further  improvement  might  be  introduced  in  the  trellis  re- 
commended, by  using  galvanized  iron  wire  for  the  hori- 
zontal supports.  There  is  some  prejudice  existing  against 
the  use  of  wire  as  it  has  been  thought  that  it  does  injury 


VINEYARD   AND   OUT-DOOR   CULTURE.  169 

to  the  vines  by  the  rusting  and  their  friction  against  so 
hard  a  material,  but  practically  we  do  not  find  it  so.  Let 
the  superintendent  only  attend  to  his  duty  without  nurs- 
ing his  old  prejudices,  and  see  to  the  proper  tying,  and 
our  word  for  it,  there  will  be  no  more  detriment  in  wire 
than  anything  else.  However,  let  everybody  go  along  as 
he  thinks  best,  only  move  onward,  and  as  we  are  a  great, 
and  daily  becoming  a  greater  nation,  let  us  not  disappoint 
the  expectations  of  the  world  by  our  want  of  originality. 

All  may  now  be  considered  as  ready  for  planting,  and 
here  again  we  have  many  notions  to  contend  with.  Cut- 
tings— one-year  old,  two-year  old,  and  even  three-year 
old  plants,  have  each  been  considered  as  the  best,  accord- 
ing to  the  whims  and  fancies  of  pedantry.  The  fact  is,  we 
want  a  healthy  start,  at  the  least  expense ;  and  as  the 
plants  must  have  a  length  of  time  to  become  profitable, 
what  can  be  more  economical,  or  insure  future  success 
better,  than  good  one  year  vines  ?  The  more  than  half  part 
of  this  business  depends  on  previous  preparation ;  but,  as 
this  costs  money,  it  is  well,  at  the  same  time,  to  be  getting 
ready  the  future  occupants  ;  consequently  it  is  good  advice 
to  say :  raise  the  plants  on  one  spot,  and  be  preparing  on 
the  main  superficial  area ;  or,  if  it  be  not  convenient  to 
propagate,  adapt  all  contingencies  so  as  to  make  sure  of 
after  results. 

A  young  and  well-rooted  plant  will,  if  properly  managed 
and  attended,  produce  a  greater  growth  than  a  stunted 
older  one,  with  the  additional  advantage  of  being  alike  in 
all  its  parts ;  what  is  true  individually,  will  be  so  collect- 
ively, over  the  whole  vineyard,  and  a  greater  uniformity 
will  be  obtained.  In  transplanting,  take  care  that  the 
roots  are  lifted  carefully,  and  removed  to  their  new  quar- 
ters, before  they  become  dried ;  nothing  produces  more 
evil  to  any  plant  than  this  often  careless  practice.  Roots 

8 


170  THE   GRAPE. 

are  organized  beings,  containing  fluid  matter,  and  intended 
to  convey  most  of  the  nutriment  upward  to  the  whole 
superstructure ;  and  if  their  tender  cells  become  shrivelled, 
they  are  not  capable  of  again  performing  their  offices  with 
the  same  degree  of  energy,  but  remain  comparatively 
inactive  for  a  length  of  time,  or  die  immediately.  If  the 
top  languishes,  a  weak  start  is  the  consequence,  with  per- 
haps the  loss  of  a  whole  season. 

If  the  trellis  be  accepted,  the  rows  may  be  six  feet 
apart,  and  the  plants  four  feet  asunder ;  but,  in  the  ordi- 
nary way  of  staking,  five  feet  each  way  will  be  the  nearest 
possible  distance.  In  putting  down  the  roots,  dig  a  hole 
six  inches  deep,  and  wide  enough  for  them  to  be  spread 
out  all  around  ;  cover  carefully  with  well  pulverized  soil ; 
cut  off  the  head  to  two  or  three  good  eyes ;  and,  when  the 
vines  begin  to  start,  mulch  over,  so  far  as  the  roots  extend, 
with  rotted  barn-yard  manure ;  or,  if  that  cannot  be  had, 
then  with  any  vegetable  refuse,  that  is  free  from  seeds, 
that  may  be  at  hand.* 

When  the  shoots  begin  to  elongate  somewhat,  it  will  be 
seen  which  is  going  to  be  the  strongest,  and  all  the  others 
may  be  rubbed  off.  As  this  continues  to  grow,  tie  it  up  to 
the  stake  or  trellis,  pinch  out  the  laterals  (the  small  side- 
shoots  which  grow  at  the  base  of  each  leaf)  to  one  eye,  as 
they  are  produced,  and  rub  off  all  superfluous  suckers  or 
branches.  Nothing  further  will  be  required  than  to  keep 
the  ground  free  from  weeds,  by  hoeing,  or  the  plough, 
through  the  summer.  The  long-rod  method  of  training  is 
one  of  the  best  for  the  vineyard,  but  a  periodical  extension 
is  still  better,  as  it  is  more  in  accordance  with  the  consti- 
tutional powers  of  the  grape-vine,  more  particularly  tho 
strong,  growing  natives,  and  alike  applicable  to  all  the 
varieties.  Here  is  one  of  the  greatest  advantages  of  the 
trellis  versus  the  pole  method,  as  with  the  latter  no  greater 


VINEYARD  AND   OUT-DOOR  CULTURE.  171 

bulk  of  plant  than  is  acquired  after  the  third  year  is 
practicable.  A  reference  to  the  chapter  on  pruning  will 
explain  all  respecting  this  part ;  so  there  is  no  use  in  pur- 
suing the  subject  further,  excepting  to  state  that  cleanli- 
ness is  one  of  the  first  demands  of  the  vineyard,  and  is  sure 
to  more  than  repay  for  the  invested  labor. 

The  training  over  arbors,  around  dwellings,  and  all 
such  positions,  will  require  the  same  fundamental  culture 
that  has  been  explained  for  the  vineyard,  the  only  differ- 
ence being  in  the  peculiar  desires  or  fancy  of  the  culti- 
vator with  regard  to  the  form  of  the  plant.  As  the  grape- 
vine is  so  lavish  with  its  embracing  arms,  they  may  be 
entwined  around  or  over  anything  that  will  give  them 
support ;  the  whole  plant  will  continue  to  delight  the  eye 
with  its  beauty,  and  gratify  the  palate  with  its  luscious 
sweets,  if  kindly  treated.  Even  with  worse  than  careless- 
ness, we  may  enjoy  a  portion  of  its  liberality ;  but,  accord- 
ing as  kindness  is  bestowed,  so  may  we  expect  to  meet 
with  an  abundant  gratitude ;  for,  like  the  better  part  of 
humanity,  it  can  appreciate,  and  will  fully  return  former 
benevolence. 


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On  Horticulture,  Landscape  Gardening,  Rural  Architecture,  Trees,  Agriculture,  Fruit, 
with  his  Letters  from  England.  Edited,  with  a  Memoir  of  the  Author,  by  George 
"Wm.  Curtis,  and  a  letter  to  his  friends  by  Frederika  Bremer;  and  an  elegant  steel 
Portrait  of  the  Author.  Price  $3. 

The  Practical  Fruit,  Flower,  and  Kitchen  Gardener's  Com- 
panion, with  a  Calendar.  By  Patrick  Neill,  LL.  D.,  F.  R.  S.  E.,  Secretary  to  the  Royal 
Caledonian  Horticultural  Society.  Adapted  to  the  United  States,  from  the  fourth 
edition,  revised  and  improved  by  the  author.  Edited  by  G.  Emerson,  M.  D.,  Editor 
of  "Johnson's  Farmer's  Encyclopedia."  With  Notes  and  Additions  by  R.  G.  Pardee 
author  of  '-Manual  of  tlie  Strawberry  Culture."  With  illustrations.  Price  $1. 

Munn's  (B.)  Practical  Land  Drainer; 

Being  a  Treatise  on  Draining  Land,  in  which  the  most  approved  systems  of  Lrafnage 
are  explained,  and  their  differences  and  comparative  merits  discussed;  with  full 
Directions  for  the  Cutting  and  Making  of  Drains,  with  Remarks  upon  the  var'ous 
Materials  of  which  they  may  be  composed.  With  many  illustrations.  By  B.  Mann, 
Landscape  Gardener.  Price  50  cts. 

Elliot's  (F.  R.)  American  Fruit-Grower's  Guide  in  Orchard 

and  Garden:  being  a  Compend  of  the  History,  Modes  of  Propagation,  Culture,  «kc^ 
of  Fruit,  Trees,  and  Shrubs,  with  descriptions  of  nearly  all  the  varieties  of  Fruita  cul- 
tivated in  this  country;  and  Notes  of  their  adaptation  to  localities,  soils,  and  a  coio« 
plete  list  of  Fruits  worthy  of  cultivation.  By  F.  B.  Elliot,  Ponaologlst  Price  $1  2& 
1 


2  Books  Published  by  C.  M.  Sax  ton  &  Co. 

Pardee  (R.  G.)  on  Strawberry  Culture. 

A  Complete  M-mual  for  the  Cultivation  of  the  StraVberry;  with  a  description  of  the 
best  varieties. 

Also,  Notices  of  the  Raspberry,  Blackberry,  Currant,  Gooseberry,  and  Grape;  with 
directions  for  their  cultivation,  and  the  selection  of  the  best  varieties.  "  Every  pro- 
cess  here  recommended  has  been  proved,  the  plans  of  others  tried,  and  t!ie  result  is 
hero  given."  With  a  valuable  Appendix,  containing  the  observations  ar-d  experience 
of  some  of  the  most  successful  cultivators  of  these  fruits  in  our  country.  Price  6>  cents. 

Dana's  Muck  Manual  for  the  use  of  Farmers. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Physical  and  Chemical  Properties  of  Soils,  the  Chemistry  of 
Manures  ;  including  also  the  subjects  of  composts,  artificial  manures  and  irrigation. 
A  new  edition,  with  a  chapter  on  Bones  and  Superphosphates.  $1. 

The  Stable  Book. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Management  of  Horses,  in  relation  to  Stabling,  Grooming,  Feed- 
ing, Watering,  and  Working,  Construction  of  Stables,  Ventilation,  Appendages  of 
Stables,  Management  of  the  Feet,  and  Management  of  Diseased  and  Defective 
Horses.  By  John  Stewart,  Veterinary  Surgeon.  With  notes  and  additions  adapting 
it  to  American  Food  and  Climate.  By  A.  B.  Allen,  editor  of  the  American  Agr^ul 
turist.  $1. 

Chorlton's  Grape  Grower's  Guide. 

Intended  especially  for  the  American  Climate.  Being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  the 
Cultivation  of  the  Grape  Vine  in  each  department  of  Hot  House,  Cold  Grapery, 
Retarding  House,  and  Out-door  Culture.  With  plans  for  the  construction  of  the 
requisite  buildings,  and  giving  the  best  methods  of  heating  the  same.  Every  depart- 
ment being  fully  illustrated.  By  William  Chorlton,  author  of  "  The  Cold  Grapery,*' 
&c.  Price  60  cts. 

White's  (W.  N.)  Gardening  for  the  South ; 

Or,  the  Kitchen  and  Fruit  Garden,  with  the  best  methods  for  their  Cultivation ; 
together  with  hints  upon  Landscape  and  Flower  Gardening ;  containing  modes  of 
culture  and  descriptions  of  the  species  and  varieties  of  the  Culinary  Vegetables, 
Fruit  Trees  and  Fruits,  and  a  select  list  of  Ornamental  Trees  and  Plants,  found  by 
trial  adapted  to  the  States  of  the  Union  south  of  Pennsylvania,  with  Gardening 
Calendars  for  the  same.  By  Wm.  N.  White,  of  Athens,  Georgia.  Price  $1  25. 

Eastwood's  (B.)  Mauual  for  the  Culivation  of  the  Cranberry. 

With  a  description  of  the  best  varieties.  By  B.  Eastwood,  "  Septimus"  of  the  New 
York  Tribune.  Price  75  cts. 

Johnson's  (Geo.  W.)  Dictionary  of  Modern  Gardening. 

With  One  Hundred  and  Eighty  Wood  Cuts.  Edited,  with  numerous  additions,  by 
David  Landreth,  of  Philadelphia.  Price  $1  50. 

Persoz's  Culture  of  the  Vine. 

A  New  Process  for  the  Culture  of  the  Vine,  by  Persoz,  Professor  to  the  Faculty  of 
Sciences  of  Strasbourg ;  directing  Professor  of  the  School  of  Pharmacy  of  the  same 
city.  Translatad  by  J.  0.  C.  Barclay,  Surgeon.  U.  S.  N.  Price,  paper,  25  cents ; 
cloth,  50  cents. 


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Johnston's  (James  F.  W.)  Catechism  of  Agricultural  Chemis- 
try and  Geology.  By  James  F.  W.  Johnston,  M.  A,,  F.  R.  88.  L.  and  E.,  Honorary 
Member  of  the  Eoyal  Agricultural  Society  of  England,  and  author  of  "  Lectures  on 
Agricultural  Chemistry  and  Geology."  With  an  Introduction  by  John  Pitkin  Nor- 
ton,  M.  A.,  late  Professor  of  Scientific  Agriculture  in  Yale  College.  Witii  Notes  and 
Additions  by  the  Author,  prepared  expressly  for  this  edition,  and  an  Appendix  coin- 
piled  by  the  Superintendent  of  Education  in  Nova  Scotia.  Adapted  to  the  use  of 
schools.  Price  25  cts. 

Johnston's  (James  F.  W.)  Agricultural  Chemistry. 

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Smith's  (C.  H.  J.)  Landscape  Gardening,  Parks  and  Pleasure 

Grounds.  With  Practical  Notes  on  Country  Residences,  Villas,  Public  Parks,  and 
Gardens.  By  Charles  H.  J.  Smith,  Landscape  Gardener  and  Garden  Architect,  &c. 
With  Notes  and  Additions  by  Lewis  F.  Allen,  author  of  "Rural  Architecture,"  &c. 

The  author,  while  engaged  in  his  profession  for  the  last  eighteen  years,  has  often 
been  requested  to  recommend  a  book  which  might  enable  persons  to  acquire  soina 
general  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  Landscape  Gardening. 

The  object  of  the  present  work  is  to  preserve  a  plain  and  direct  method  of  statement^ 
to  be  intelligible  to  all  who  have  had  an  ordinary  education,  and  to  give  directions 
which,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  found  to  be  practical  by  those  who  hare  an  adequal* 
knowledge  of  country  affairs.  Price  $1  25. 

Norton's  (John  P.)  Elements  of  Scientific  Agriculture; 

Or,  the  Connexion  between  Science  and  the  Art  of  Practical  Farming.  (Prize  Essay 
of  the  New  York  State  Agricultural  Society.)  By  John  P.  Norton,  M.  A.,  Professor 
of  Scientific  Agriculture  i&  Yale  College.  Adapted  to  the  use  of  Schools.  Price  61) 
oenta. 

Nash's  (J.  A.)  Progressive  Farmer. 

A  Scientific  Treatise  on  Agricultural  Chemistry,  the  Geology  of  Agriculture,  on  Plants 
and  Animals,  Manures  and  Soils  applied  to  Practical  Agriculture;  with  a  Catechism 
of  Scientific  and  Practical  Agriculture.  By  J.  A.  Nash.  Price  60  cento. 

Chorlton's  (Wm.)  Cold  Grapery. 

From  direct  American  Practice :  being  a  concise  and  detailed  Treatise  on  the  Cultiva- 
tion of  the  Exotic  Grape  Vine,  under  Glass  without  artificial  heat.  By  Win.  Chorl. 
ton,  Gardener  to  J.  C.  Green,  Esq ,  Btaten  Island,  N.  Y.  Price  »)  cents. 

Allen  (J.  Fisk^  on  the  Culture  of  the  Grape. 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Culture  and  Treatment  of  the  Grape  Vine,  embracing  it« 
history,  with  directions  for  its  treatment  in  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  open 
air  and  under  glass  structures,  with  and  without  artificial  heat  By  J.  Fist  Allen. 
Price  $1. 

Hoare  (Clement)  on  the  Grape  Vine. 

A  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Cultivation  of  the  Grape  Vine  on  Open  Walls,  *Hb  a 
Descriptive  Account  of  an  improved  method  of  Planting  and  Managing  the  Ki^ts  ol 
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Mysteries  of  Bee-keeping  Explained ; 

Being  a  Complete  Analysis  of  the  whole  subject,  consisting  of  the  Natural  History  c>< 
Bees;  Directions  for  Obtaining  the  greatest  amount  of  Pure  Surplus  Honey  with  the 
least  possible  expense;  Remedies  for  Losses  given,  and  the  Science  of  Luck,  fiilly 
illustrated ;  the  result  of  more  than  twenty  years1  experience  in  extensive  Apiaries. 
ByM.  Quinby.  Price  $1. 

American  Bee-keeper's  Manual; 

Being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  the  History  and  Domestic  Economy  of  the  Honej  Be«, 
embracing  a  full  illustration  of  the  whole  subject,  with  the  most  approved  methods  <J 
managing  this  Insect,  through  every  branch  of  its  Culture;  the  result  of  many  years 
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The  Cottage  and  Farm  Bee-keeper ; 

A  Practical  Work,  by  a  Country  Curate,    50  cents. 

Weeks  (John  M.)  on  Bees.— A  Manual; 

Or,  an  Easy  Method  of  Managing  Bees  in  tLe  most  profitable  manner  to  their  owner-, 
with  infallible  rules  to  prevent  their  destruction  by  the  Moth.  With  an  Appendix  by 
Wooster  A.  Flanders.  Price  50  cts. 

The  Rose; 

Being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Propagation,  Cultivation,  and  Management  of  the 
Eose  in  all  Seasons;  with  a  List  of  Choice  and  Approved  Varieties,  adapted  to  tha 
Climate  of  the  United  States;  to  which  is  added  Full  Directions  for  the  Treatment  of 
the  Dahlia.  Illustrated  by  engravings.  Cloth,  50  cts. 

Buist's  (Robert)  American  Flower-Garden  Directory ; 

Containing  Practical  Directions  for  the  Culture  of  Plants,  in  the  Flower-Garden,  Hot- 
House,  Green-House,  Kooms,  or  Parlor  Windows,  for  every  Month  in  the  Year;  with 
a  description  of  the  Plants  most  desirable  in  each,  the  Nature  of  the  Soil  and  Situation 
best  adapted  to  their  Growth,  the  Proper  Season  for  Transplanting,  &c.;  with  Instruc- 
tions for  erecting  a  Hot- House,  Green-House,  and  Laying  out  a  Flower-Garden;  the 
whole  adapted  to  either  large  or  small  Gardens;  with  Instructions  for  Preparing  the 
Soil,  Propagating,  Planting,  Pruning,  Training,  and  Fruiting  the  Grape  Vine.  Price 
$1  25. 

Buists'  (Robert)  Family  Kitchen  Gardener; 

Containing  Plain  and  Accurate  Descriptions  of  all  the  different  Species  and  Varieties 
of  Culinary  Vegetables,  with  their  Botanical,  English,  French,  and  German  names, 
alphabetically  arranged,  and  the  best  mode  of  cultivating  them  in  the  garden  or  under 
glass;  als»,  Descriptions  and  Character  of  the  most  Select  Fruits,  their  Management, 
Propagation,  &c.  By  Robert  Bnist,  author  of  the  "  American  Flower-Garden  Direc- 
tory,1' &a  Cloth,  75  cts. ;  paper  50  cts. 

The  American  Florist's  Guiae ; 

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Every  Lady  Her  own  Flower  Gardener; 

Addressed  to  the  Industrious  and  Economical  only ;  containing  Simple  and  Practical 
Directions  for  Cultivating  Plants  and  Flowers;  also,  Hints  for  the  Management  ol 
Flowers  in  Kooms,  with  brief  Botanical  Descriptions  of  Plants  and  Flower?.  The 
whole  in  plain  and  simple  language.  By  Louisa  Johnson.  Cloth,  price  50  cts. 

The  American  Agriculturist ; 

Being  a  Collection  of  Original  Articles  on  the  Various  Subjects  connected  with  th* 
Farm,  in  ten  vols.  8m,  containing  nearly  four  thousand  pages.  $10. 

The  Complete  Farmer  and  American  Gardener, 

Rural  Economist,  and  New  American  Gardener,  containing  a  Compendious  Epitome  of 
the  most  Important  Branches  of  Agricultural  and  Eural  Economy;  with  Praciical  Di- 
rections on  the  Cultivation  of  Fruits  and  Vegetables ;  including  Landscape  and  Orna- 
mental  Gardening.  By  Thomas  G.  Fessenden.  2  vols.  in  one.  $1  25. 

Fessenden's  (T.  G.)  American  Kitchen  Gardener; 

Containing  Directions  for  the  Cultivation  of  Vegetables  and  Garden  Fruits.  Cloth, 
price  50  eta. 

Dadd's  (Geo.  H.)  American  Cattle  Doctor; 

Containing  the  necessary  information  for  preserving  the  health  and  curing  the  diseases 
of  Oxen,  Cows,  Sheep,  and  Swine,  with  a  great  variety  of  original  receipts,  and  valu- 
able information  in  reference  to  Farm  and  Dairy  management,  whereby  every  man 
can  be  his  own  Cattle  Doctor.  The  principles  taught  in  this  work  are,  that  all  medi- 
cation shall  be  subservient  to  nature— that  all  medicines  must  be  sanative  in  their 
operation,  and  administered  with  a  view  of  aiding  the  vital  powers,  instead  of  depres- 
sing, as  heretofore,  with  the  lancet  or  by  poison.  By  G.  H.  Dadd,  M.  D.,  Veterinary 
Practitioner.  .  Price  $1. 

Browne's  (D.  Jay)  Field  Book  of  Manures: 

Or,  American  Muck  Book;  treating  of  the  Nature,  Properties,  Sources,  History,  and 
Operations  of  all  the  Principal  Fertilizers  and  Manures  in  Common  Une,  with  Fpeciflo 
Directions  for  their  Preservation,  and  Application  to  the  Soil  and  to  Crop-;  drawn 
from  Authentic  Sources,  Actual  Experience,  and  Personal  Observation,  as  com-  * 
bincd  with  the  leading  Principles  of  Practical  and  Scientific  Agriculture.  Rv  D  J*» 
Browne.  $1  25. 

Randall's  (H,  S.)  Sheep  Husbandry; 

With  an  account  of  the  different  breeds,  and  general  directions  in  resard  to  Summer 
and  Winter  management,  breeding,  and  the  treatment  of  diseases,  with  portraits  and 
other  engravings.  By  Henry  8.  Randall.  Price  $1  25. 

Blake's  (Rev.  John  L.)  Farmer  at  Home. 

A  Family  Text  Book  for  the  Country;  be'nga  Cyclopaedia  of  Agricultural  Imple- 
inents  and  Productions,  and  of  the  more  Important  Topics  in  Domestic  Keonomy 
bronco  and  Literature;  adapted  to  Rural  Life.  By  B«v.  John  L.  Blake  D  U 


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Youatt  and  Martin  on  Cattle ; 

Being  a  Treatise  on  their  Breeds,  Mnnagement,  and  Diseases,  comprising  a  fall 
of  the  Various  Races;  their  Origin,  Breeding,  and  Merits;  their  capacity  for  Beet'  and 
Milk.  By  W.  Youatt  and  W.  C.  L.  Martin.  The  whole  forming  a  complete  Guide 
for  the  Farmer,  the  Amateur,  and  the  Veterinary  Surgeon,  with  100  il lustrations 
Edited  by  Ambrose  Stevens.  $1  25. 

Youatt  on  the  Horse. 

Youatt  on  the  Structure  and  Diseases  of  the  Horse,  with  their  Remedies.  Also,  Prac- 
tical Rules  for  Bayers,  Breeders,  Smiths,  Ac.  Edited  by  W.  C.  Spooner,  M.  R.  C.V.  8. 
"With  an  account  of  the  Breeds  in  the  United  States,  by  Henry  S.  Randall.  $1  25. 

Youatt  and  Martin  on  the  Hog. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Breeds,  Management  and  Medical  Treatment  of  Swine,  with  direc> 
tions  for  Salting  Pork  and  Curing  Bacon  and  Hann.  By  Wm.  Youatt,  R.  8  and  W- 
C.  L.  Martin.  Edited  by  Ambrose  Stevens.  Illustrated  with  engravings  drawn  from 
life.  75  cts. 

Youatt  on  Sheep ; 

Their  Breed,  Management,  and  Diseases,  with  illustrative  engravings;  to  which  are 
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the  Culture,  of  Fine  Wool  in  Silesia.  By  William  Youatt  75  cts. 

American  Architect. 

The  American  Architect,  comprising  Original  Designs  of  cheap  Country  and  Village 
Residences,  with  Details,  Specifications,  Plans,  and  Directions,  and  an  estimate  of  the 
Cost  of  each  Design.  By  John  W.  Ritch,  Architect.  First  and  Second  Series,  quarto 
bound  in  1  vol.,  half  roan,  $6 

Domestic  Medicine. 

Gunn's  Domestic  Medicine,  or  Poor  Man's  Friend,  in  the  Hours  of  Affliction,  Pain,  and 
Sickness,  Raymond's  new  revised  edition,  improved  and  enlarged  by  John  C.  Gunn, 
8vo.  Sheep,  $3. 

Pedder's  (James)  Fanner's  Land  Measurer; 

Or,  Pocket  Companion  ;  showing  atone  view,  the  Contents  of  any  Piece  of  Land  from 
Dimensions  taken  in  Yards.  With  a  set  of  Useful  Agricultural  Tables.  Price  50  cts. 

Chemical  Field  Lectures  for  Agriculturists; 

Or,  Chemistry  without  a  Master.  By  Dr.  Julius  Adolphus  -Stockhardt,  Professor  in 
the  Royal  Academy  of  Agriculture  at  Tharant.  Translated  from  the  German.  Edited, 
with  notes,  by  James  E.  Teschemacher.  Price  $1. 

Thaer's  (Albert  D.)  Agriculture, 

The  Principles  of  Agriculture,  by  Albert  D.  Thayer  ;  translated  by  William  Shaw  and 
Cuthbert  W.  Johnson,  Esq.,  F.R.S.  With  a  Memoir  of  the  Author.  1  vol.  8vo, 
strong  cloth.  Price  $2. 

This  work  is  regarded  by  those  who  are  competent  to  judge,  as  ope  of  the  most 
beautiful  works  that  has  ever  appeared  on  the  subject  of  agriculture.  At  the  same 
time  that  it  is  eminently  practical,  it  is  philosophical,  and,  even  to  the  general  reader, 
remarkably  entertaining. 

Von  Timer  was  educated  for  a  physician  ;  and,  after  reaching  the  summit  of  his  pro- 
fession, he  retired  into  the  country,  where  his  garden  soon  became  the  admiration  of 


Books  Published  by  C.  M.  Saxton  &  Co. 


the  citizens;  and  when  he  began  to  lay  >ut r  Antations and  orchards, to  cultivate  borb- 
age  and  vegetables,  the  whole  country  was  fjstonished  at  his  science  in  the  art  of  culti- 
vation. He  soon  entered  upon  a  large  farrrj,  and  opened  a  school  for  the  study  of  Agri- 
culture, where  hia  fame  became  known  from  one  end  of  Europe  to  the  other. 

This  great  work  of  Von  Thaer's  has  passed  through  four  editions  in  the  United 
States,  but  it  is  still  comparatively  unknown.  The  attention  of  owners  of  landed: 
estates  in  cities  and  towns,  as  well  t&  those  persons  engaged  in  the  practical  pursuits  oJ 
agriculture,  is  earnestly  requested  to  this  volume. 

Guenon  on  Milch  Cows ; 

A  Treatise  on  Milch  Cows,  whereby  the  Quality  and  Quantity  of  Milk  which  any  Cow 
will  give  may  be  accurately  determined  by  observing  Natural  Marks  or  External  In- 
dications alone ;  the  length  of  time  she  will  continue  to  give  Milk,  &c.,  &c.  By  M.  Francis 
Guenon,  of  Libourne,  France.  Translated  by  Nicholas  P.  Trist,  Esq. ;  with  Introduc- 
tory Remarks  and  Observations  on  the  Cow  and  the  Dairy,  by  John  8.  Skinner.  Illus- 
trated with  numerous  Engi&vings.  Price,  neatly  done  up  in  paper  covers,  8T1  cts. 
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American  Poultry  Yard. 

The  American  Poultry  Yard ;  comprising  the  Origin,  History,  and  Description  of  the 
different  Breeds  of  Domestic  Poultry,  with  complete  directions  for  their  Breeding, 
Crossing,  Rearing,  Fattening,  and  Preparation  for  Market;  including  specific  directions 
for  Caponizing  Fowls,  and  for  the  Treatment  of  the  Principal  Diseases  to  which  they 
are  subject,  drawn  from  authentic  sources  and  personal  observation.  Illustrated  with 
numerous  engravings.  By  D.  J.  Browne.  Cloth,  $1. 

The  Shepherd's  Own  Book ; 

With  an  Account  of  the  different  Breeds  and  Management  and  Diseases  of  Sheep; 
and  General  Directions  in  regard  to  Summer  and  Winter  Management,  Breeding,  and 
the  Treatment  of  Diseases ;  with  illustrative  engravings,  by  Yonatt  &  Randall,  em- 
bracing Skinner's  Notes  on  the  Breed  and  Management  of  Sheep  in  the  TJnited  States, 
and  on  the  Culture  of  Fine  Wool.  Price  12. 

Allen's  (I.  F.)  Rural  Architecture; 

Being  a  complete  description  of  Farm  Houses,  Cottages,  and  Out  Buildings,  comprising 
Wood-houses,  Workshops,  Tool-houses,  Carriage  and  Wagon  houses,  Stables,  Smoke 
and  Ash  houses,  Ice  houses,  Apiaries  or  Bee  houses,  Poultry  houses,  Babbitry,  Dove- 
cote, Piggery,  Barns,  and  Sheds  for  Cattle,  &c.,  &c. ;  together  with  Lawns,  Pleasure 
Grounds,  and  Parks ;  the  Flower,  Fruit,  and  Vegetable  Garden ;  also,  Useful  and  Or- 
i;a»iental  Domestic  Animals  for  the  Country  Resident,  &c.,  &c.  Also,  the  best  method 
of  conducting  water  into  Cattle  Yards  and  Houses.  Beautifully  illustrated.  Price 
$1  25. 

Allen's  (E.  L.)  American  Farm  Book. 

The  American  Farm  Book;  or,  a  Compend  of  American  Agriculture,  being  a  Prac- 
tical Treatise  on  Soils,  Manures,  Draining,  Irrigation,  Grasses,  Grain,  Roots,  Frulta, 
Cotton,  Tobacco,  Sugar  Cane,  Rice,  and  every  Staple  Product  of  the  Uni  ed  States; 
with  the  best  methods  of  phmti  ig,  cultivating,  and  preparation  for  market  Illustrated 
by  more  than  I'.O  engravings.  3y  R.  L.  Allen.  C'oth,  f  1. 


Looks  Published  by  C.  M.  Saxton  <&  Co. 


Keemelin's  (Chas.)'  Vine-dresser's  Manual, 

An  illustrated  treatise  on  Vineyards  and  Wine-making,  containing  full  instructions 
ws  to  location  and  soil ;  preparation  of  ground  ;  selection  and  propagation  of  vines  ; 
the  treatment  of  a  young  Vineyard,  trimming  and  training  the  vines  ;  manures  and 
the  making  of  wine.  Cloth,  50  cts. 

Eement's  (C.  N.)  Eabbit  Fancier. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding  and  General  Management  of  Rabbits, 
with  remarks  upon  their  diseases  and  remedies,  to  which  are  added  full  directions 
for  the  construction  of  Hutches,  Rabbitries,  &c.,  together  with  recipes  for  cooking 
and  dressing  for  the  table.  Beautifully  illustrated.  Ctetk,  50  cU. 

The  Horse's  Foot,  and  how  to  keep  it  Sound. 

With  cuts  illustrating  the  anatomy  of  the  Foot,  and  containing  valuable  hints  on 
shoeing  and  stable  management  in  health  and  in  disease.  By  William  Miles.  G'oth, 
60  cU. 

Stephens'  (Henry)  Book  of  the  Farm ; 

A  Complete  Guide  to  the  Fanner,  Steward,  Plowman,  Cattleman,  Shepherd,  Fiokl 
Worker,  and  Dairy  Maid,  By  Henry  Stephens.  With  Four  Hundred  and  Fifty 
Illustrations;  to  which  are  added  Explanatory  Notes,  Remarks,  <fec.,  by  J.  S.  Skinner. 
Really  ono  of  the  best  books  for  a  farmer  to  possess.  Cloth,  f  4. 

fohnston's  (J.  F.  W.)  Elements  of  Agricultural  Chemistry 

ft-.d  Geology.  With  a  Complete  Analytical  and  Alphabetical  Index,  and  an  American 
Preface.  By  Hon  Simon  Brown,  Editor  of  the  uNew  England  Farmer."  Price  $1 

Allen's  (R,  L.)  Diseases  of  Domestic  Animals ; 

Botng  a  History  and  Description  of  the  Horse,  Mule,  Cattle,  Sheep,  Swine,  Poultry, 
and  Farm  Dogs,  with  Directions  for  their  Management,  Breeding,  Crossing,  Rearing, 
Feeding,  and  Preparation  for  a  profitable  Market;  also,  their  Diseases  and  Remedies, 
together  with  full  Directions  for  the  Management  of  the  Dairy,  and  the  Comparative 
Economy  and  Advantages  of  Working  Animals,  the  Horse,  Mule,  Oxen,  <fcc.  By  R 
L.  Allen.  Cloth,  75  eta. 

Browne's  (D.  J.)  American  Bird  Fancier; 

Considered  with  reference  to  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding,  Management,  and 
Peculiarities  of  Cage  and  House  Birds.  Illustrated  with  Engravings.  By  D.  Jay 
Browne.  60  cts 

Saxton's  Hural  Hand  Books,    .       .'  .  ;  .       •      $125 

First  Series,  containing  Treatises  on — 
The  Horse,  The  Pests  of  the  Farm, 

The  Hog,  Domestic  Fowls,  and 

The  Honey  Bee,  The  Cow. 

Saxton's  Eural  Hand  Books,  -^  *•*  •>,'.*      .      .      .       $l  25 

Second  Series,  containing— 

Every  Lady  Her  Own  Flower  Gardener,        Essay  on  Manures, 
Elements  of  Agriculture,  American  Kkcl.en  Gardiner, 

Bird  Fancier,  American  Rose  CuliurLst, 

Saxton's  Eural  Hand  Books,  $1  25 

Third  Series,  containing— 

Miles  on  the*Horse's  Foot,  Vine<lre»ser's  Manual, 

The  Rabbit  Fancier,  Bee-keeper's  Chart, 

Week*  on  Beea^  Chemistry  made  E»*y 


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jlM  arranged  and  adapted  to  the  Use  of  American  Farmers, 
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Hogs; 

Their  Origin  and  Varieties  ;  Management,  with  a  View  to  Profit,  and  Treatment  under 
Disease;  also,  Plain  Directions  relative  to  the  moot  approved  modes  of  preserving  their 
Flesh.  By  II.  D.  Richardson,  author  of  "The  Hive  and  the  Honey  Boe,"&c.,  &a 
With  illustrations— 12mo. 

The  Hive  and  the  Honey  Bee ; 

With  plain  directions  for  obtaining  a  considerable  Annual  Income  from  this  branch  of 
Rural  Economy ;  also  an  Account  of  the  Diseases  of  Bees,  and  I  heir  Remedies,  and 
Remarks  as  to  their  Enemies,  and  the  best  mode  of  protecting  the  Hives  from  their  at- 
tacks. By  H.  D.  Richardson.  With  illustrations. 

Domestic  Fowls; 

Their  Natural  History,  Breeding,  Rearing,  and  General  Management.  By  H.  D. 
Richardson,  author  of  "  The  Natural  History  of  the  Fossil  Deer,"  &c.  With  Illus- 
trations. 

The  Horse; 

Their  Or'gin  and  Varieties;  with  Plain  Directions  as  to  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  and 
General  Management,  with  Instructions  as  to  the  Treatment  of  Disease.  Handsomely 
Illustrated— 12mo.  By  H.  D.  Richardson. 

The  Rose ; 

The  American  Hose  Cultural;  being  a  Practical  Treatise  on  the  Propagation,  Cultiva- 
tion, and  Management  in  all  Seasons,  <fcc.  With  full  directions  for  the  Treatment  of 
the  Dahlia.  "  "^''' 

The  Pests  of  the  Farm ; 

With  Instructions  f>r  their  Extirpation;  being  a  Manual  of  Plain  Directions  for  the 
certain  Destruction  of  every  description  of  Vermin.  With  numerous  illustrations  on 
Wood. 

An  Essay  on  Manures; 

Submitted  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  Promoting  Agriculture, 
for  their  Premium.  By  Samuel  H.  Dana. 

The  American  Bird  Fancier; 

Considered  with  reference  to  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding,  Management,  and  Pe- 
culiarities of  Cage  and  House  Birds.  Illustrated  with  Engravings.  By  D.  Jay 
Browne. 

Chemistry  Made  Easy. 

For  the  Use  of  Farmers.    By  J.  Topham. 

Elements  of  Agriculture. 

Translated  from  the  French,  and  Adapted  to  the  use  of  American  Farmers.  By  F.  G. 
Skinner. 

The  American  Kitchen  Gardener; 

Containing  Directions  for  the  Cultivation  of  Vegetables  and  Garden  Fruits.    By  T.  G 

Fcssenden. 


10  Books  Published  by  C.  M.  Saxton  &  Co. 

The  Bee  Keeper's  Chart; 

Being  a  brief  practical  Treatise  on  the  Instinct,  Habits,  and  Management  of  the  Honey 
Bee,  in  all  its  various  Branches,  the  result  of  many  years'  practical  experience,  whereby 
the  auf.or  has  been  enabled  to  divest  the  subject  of  much  that  has  been  considered 
mysterious  and  difficult  to  overcome,  and  render  it  more  sure,  profitable,  and  interest- 
ing to  every  one  than  it  has  heretofore  been.  By  E.  W.  Phelps. 

Every  Lady  Her  Own  Flower  Gardener ; 

Addressed  to  the  Industrious  and  Economical  only;  containing  Simple  and  Practical 
Directions  for  Cultivating  Plants  and  Flowers:  also,  Hints  for  the  Management  of 
Flowers  in  Rooms,  -with  brief  Botanical  Descriptions  of  Plants  and  Flowers.  The 
whole  in  plain  and  simple  language.  By  Louisa  Johnson. 

The  Cow:  Dairy  Husbandry  and  Cattle  Breeding. 

By  M.  M.  Milburn,  and  revised  by  IL  D.  Eicbardson  and  Ambrose  Stevens.  With  Il- 
lustrations. 

Wilson  on  the  Culture  of  Flax ; 

Its  Treatment,  Agricultural  and  Technical ;  delivered  before  the  New  York  State  Agri. 
cultural  Society,  at  the  Annual  Fair,  held  at  Saratoga,  In  September  last,  by  John  Wil- 
son, late  President  of  the  Eoyal  Agricultural  College  at  Cirencester,  England. 

Weeks  on  Bees.— A  Manual ; 

Or,  an  Easy  Method  of  Managing  Bees  in  the  most  profitable  manner  to  their  owner  ^ 
•with  infallible  rules  to  prevent  their  destruction  by  the  Moth  ;  with  an  appendix  by 
Wooster  A.  Flanders. 

Reemelin's  (Chas.)  Vine-dresser's  Manual. 

Containing  full  instructions  as  to  location  and  soil  ;  preparation  of  ground  ;  selection 
and  propagation  of  vines  ;  the  treatment  of  a  young  Vineyard  ;  trimming  and  train- 
ing the  vines  ;  manures  and  the  making  of  wine.  Every  department  illustrated. 

Bement's  (C.  N.)  Kabbit  Fander. 

A  Treatise  on  the  Breeding,  Rearing,  Feeding  and  General  Management  of  Rabbits, 
with  remarks  upon  their  diseases  and  remedies  ;  to  which  are  added  full  directions 
for  the  construction  of  Hutches,  Rabbitries.,  &c.,  together  with  recipes  for  cooking 
and  dressing  for  the  table. 

The  Horse's  Foot,  and  how  to  keep  it  Sound. 

Wita  cuts  illustrating  the  anatomy  of  the  Foot,  and  containing  valuable  hints  on 
shoeing  and  stable  management  both  in  health  arid  disease.  By  William  Miles. 

The  Skilful  Housewife, 

Or,  Complete  Guide  to  Domestic  Cookery,  Taste,  Comfort  and  Economy,  embracing 
659  receipts  pertaining  to  Household  Duties,  the  care  of  Health,  Gardening,  Bird*, 
Education  of  Children,  etc.,  etc.  By  Mrs.  L.  G.  AbelL 


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THE  BEST  WORK  ON  THE  HOUSE. 

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THE  STABLE  BOOK; 

A.  Treatise  on  the  Management  of  Horses,  in  relation  to  Stabling, 
Grooming,  Feeding,  Watering,  and  Working. 

BY  JOHN   STEWART, 

Veterinary  Surgeon,  and  Professor  of  Veterinary  Medicine  in  the  Andewonian  Univer»ity,  Glasgow. 

WITH  NOTES  AND  ADDITIONS  ADAPTING  IT  TO  AMERICAN  FOOD  &  CLIMATE 
BY  A.  B.  ALLEN, 

Editor  of  the  American  Agriculturist. 

ILLUSTRATED    WITH    NUMEROUS   ENGRAVINGS. 

CONTENTS. 


of,— Principles  of  Feeding,  Practice  of  Feed- 
ing, Pasturing,  Soiling,  Feeding  at  Straw 
Yard. 

CHAP.  VI  —Water. 

CHAP.  VII. — Service,  General  Preparation 
for  Work,  Physiology  of  Muscular  Exertion, 
Preparation  for  Fast  Work.  Treatment  after 
Work,  Accidents  of  Work,  Repose. 

CHAP.  VIII.— Management  of  Diseased  and 
DefectiTe  Horses,  Medical  Attendance. 


CHAP.  I.— Stabling,  Construction  of  Stables, 
Ventilation  of  Stables,  Appendages  of  Stables. 

CHAP.  II.— Stable  Operations,  Stable  Men, 
Grooming  Operations  of  Decoration,  Manage- 
ment of  the  Feet,  Operations  in  the  Stable. 

CHAP.  III.— Stable  Restraints,  Accidents, 
Habits,  Vices. 

CHAP.  IV. — Warmth. 

CHAP.  V. — Food — Articles  of,  Composition 
of,  Preparation  of,  Assimilation  of ,  Indigestion 

"  I  have  aimed  in  this  Work  TO  MAKE  PRACTICE  THE  MASTER  OF  THEOR  Y,  and  have 
endeavored  to  arrange  the  whole  subject  into  divisions  which  will  render  every  part  of  it 
taei.li/  understood,  and  easily  referred  to  by  every  one." — Author's  Preface. 

"  The  Horse  has  been  a  favorite  study  with  me  from  childhood,  and  for  twenty  years  I 
have  been  more  or  less  engaged  in  breeding  and  rearing  them,  on  my  own  farm,  and  break- 
ing and  fitting  them  for  market.  I  also  had,  during  a  residence  of  two  years  in  Europe,  the 
advantage  of  Studying  the  Stable  Economy  of  large  Military  Establishments,  and  to  inform 
myself  by  personal  inspection  on  the  subject  of  the  Horse  in  general,  and  particularly  hi» 
rearing  and  stable  treatment,  and  in  so  doing  examined  alike  the  Thorough  Bred,  the  Hun- 
ter, the  Roadster,  the  Farm  and  the  Dray  Horse.  A.  B.  ALLEN."— American  Editor. 


The  Horse's  Foot,  and  How  to  keep  it  Sound. 

WITH    ILLUSTRATIONS. 
BY    WIL,L,IAUI    HIIJLES. 


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Dadd's  Great  Work  on  the 
DISEA.SES    OF    OA.TT31.E; 

CONTAINING 

The  necessary  information  for  preserving  the  health  and  curing  the  diseases 
of  Oxen,  Cows,  Sheep,  and  Swine  ;  with  a  great  variety  of  original  re- 
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FARM   AND   DAIRY   MANAGEMENT, 

WHEREBY 

Every  fflan  can  be  His  Own  Cattle  Doctor, 

BY    GEOKGE    H.   DADD. 

Veterinary  Surgeon,  of  Boston. 

"  We  have  carefully  examined  the  Book,  and  can  fully  recommend  it  to  all  who  own  Cat- 
tle, as  a  safe  and  reliable  guide.  The  author  is  an  experienced  Farrier,  and  as  such  his 
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YOUATT  &  MARTIN  ON  CATTLE. 

A  Treatise  on  Breeding  and  General  Management  of  Cattle; 

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Merits  :  their  capacity  for  BEEP  and  MILK  ;  the  Nature  aud  Treatment  of 
their  Diseases  ;  the  whole  forming  a  Complete  Guide  for  the  Farmer,  the 
Amateur,  and  the  Veterinary  Surgeon.  With  One  Hundred  Illustrations. 

A  New  Edition,  edited  by  Hon.  Ambrose  Stevens.   Price  $1 25 


GUENON  ON  MILCH  COWS  : 

A  Treatise  on  Milch  Cows,  whereby  the  Quality  and  Quantity  of  Milk  which 
any  Cow  will  give  may  be  accurately  determined  by  observing  Natural 
Marks  or  External  Indications  alone  ;  the  length  of  time  she  will  continue 
to  give  Milk,  &c.,  &c.  By  M.  Francis  Guenon,  of  Libourne,  France. 

Translated  by  Nicholas  P.  Trist,  Esq. ;  with  Introductory  Remarks  and  Observations  on  the 

Cow  and  the  Dairy,  by  JOHN  S.  SKINNER. 
With  Numerous  Illustrations.  Price,  neatly  done  up  in  Paper  Covers,  37£  cts.  Cloth,  62£  els. 


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